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

Video: IC Basketball Show - First Tar Heel Test, USC Ahead
College basketball analyst Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina preview UNC's exhibition game Friday against USC. The Trojans bring a blend of size...
Wed Oct 7, 2026

UNC Men’s Basketball Wraps Up ACC Tipoff Appearance
With UNC Basketball's preseason opener looming in two days, new Tar Heel head coach Michael Malone, senior Jarin Stevenson, and sophomore Neo Avdalas previewed the...
Wed Oct 7, 2026

Michael Malone has lead guard group of ‘connectors’ with nobody called point guard
Terrence Brown won’t be the only one handling the basketball to start possessions as the Tar Heels prepare for Friday’s exhibition against USC. Michael Malone...
Wed Oct 7, 2026

Four games in, Cole Anthony is sold on the NBL
He may have only been around Australia's NBL for a few months and featured in four games, but Cole Anthony can already see the trajectory...
Wed Oct 7, 2026