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 - UNC Basketball Roster Preview - Matt Able
The 2026-27 UNC Basketball roster preview series rolls on as we set our sights on NC State transfer Matt Able. Can he become UNC’s next...
Wed Aug 5, 2026

Cole Anthony To Continue Basketball Career In Australia
Melbourne United has locked in the final piece of the team’s roster for the NBL27 season with the signature of 26-year-old point guard Cole Anthony...
Wed Aug 5, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Villanova Transfer Duke Brennan Eyeing UNC Basketball
With Villanova basketball transfer Duke Brennan, a 6'10", 250-pound double-double machine, considering UNC, is a new starting center on the horizon? Isaac Schade discusses how...
Tue Aug 4, 2026

50 years ago, Dean Smith led Team USA to gold
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Dean Smith’s gold medal run at the 1976 Olympics. The legendary UNC Basketball coach guided the Americans to a...
Tue Aug 4, 2026