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: Locked On Tar Heels - Breaking Down UNC Basketball's Deep Roster
UNC unveiled a deep, versatile basketball roster for the 2026-27 season. With international newcomers like Sayon Keita and Alexandros Samodurov officially cleared, plus key returners...
Mon Aug 24, 2026

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - How Angelo Brizzi Can Carve Out A Role In UNC's Backcourt
Andrew Jones and Jacob Turner from TarHeel247 discuss UNC transfer guard Angelo Brizzi, his role in this season's Tar Heel backcourt, offensive strengths, recent performances...
Mon Aug 24, 2026

UNC Basketball Roundup: Frontcourt Cleared, Non-Conf. Slate Set, UNC & Duke Battle For Top Recruit
It was a busy week for the UNC Basketball program. The roster questions that have hung over the Tar Heels this offseason finally got answers,...
Mon Aug 24, 2026

Michael Malone Embraces Significance of UNC vs. NC State Basketball Rivalry
Upon taking the basketball coaching job at North Carolina, Michael Malone researched the history between the Tar Heels and Wolfpack. He wanted a better understanding...
Mon Aug 24, 2026