How a promise to Dean Smith brought former basketball player Vasco Evtimov back to UNC
Posted Feb 18, 2019
In the summer of 1999, Vasco Evtimov had just forfeited his last two years of college eligibility to sign with a Greek professional team over returning to UNC. Before the 6-foot-10 Evtimov left Chapel Hill, though, he spoke with Dean Smith, who recruited Evtimov and coached him as a freshman. “I promised Coach Smith...I would come back and get my degree. And here I am."
(Daily Tar Heel)
Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting
Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - Discussing Henri Veesaar's DecisionHenri Veesaar declared for the NBA Draft on Friday, with the intent on staying in the draft and not returning to North Carolina. Andrew Jones...
Sat Apr 25, 2026Freshmen, Transfers, and More: Every Newcomer Joining UNC Men’s Basketball
As Michael Malone embarks on his first season as UNC Men's Basketball coach, he’s recruited several newcomers to the program. Malone and staff have mined...
Sat Apr 25, 2026
Inside UNC’s now-delayed push for new basketball arena at Carolina North
After two years of behind-the-scenes work on a new basketball arena at its planned Carolina North development, top officials at the University of North Carolina...
Sat Apr 25, 2026
Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Where Does UNC Turn Following Henri Veesaar's Departure
UNC center Henri Veesaar has declared for the NBA Draft and intends to stay in. The Tar Heels must pivot immediately and find a new...
Fri Apr 24, 2026