K.J. Smith makes a name for himself at UNC while embracing his dad's basketball legacy

Posted Feb 22, 2019
K.J. Smith, a walk-on point guard for the Tar Heels, dons the same number his father wore. For a while, he even rocked the same flattop haircut Kenny Smith did during his UNC playing days. K.J. fully embraces his dad’s legacy, to the point of letting his teammates call him “Baby Jet.” But it wasn’t always easy to be the namesake of the two-time NBA champion. (Daily Tar Heel)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

Newsletter: Caleb Wilson's Bad Break, Malloy Smith Commits, Luka Catches Fire, Heels Fall at Duke
UNC Basketball experienced a big win and a big loss, landed a commitment from combo guard Malloy Smith (son of Kenny Smith), Caleb Wilson broke...
Mon Mar 9, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Out-Efforted?
UNC Basketball fell to Duke after a pivotal injury sidelined Caleb Wilson for the season, but is effort now the Tar Heels’ biggest concern? Isaac...
Mon Mar 9, 2026

UNC Teammates React to Caleb Wilson’s Season-Ending Injury
When Caleb Wilson learned he needed surgery, he was crushed. He realized that his time as a Tar Heel was over. He couldn't play at...
Mon Mar 9, 2026

Video: Coast To Coast Podcast - UNC Basketball Resets for the Postseason
UNC Basketball achieved a perfect home record this season by beating Clemson on Tuesday then got steamrolled at Duke. To pour salt in the wound,...
Mon Mar 9, 2026