From Cunningham to Carter, an incredible streak ends but not the life lessons from Dean Smith

Posted Jul 11, 2020
When Vince Carter retired from the NBA last month after 22 years with eight teams, the world’s premier basketball league was left with no players coached by Dean Smith. Hard to imagine. From Oct. 16, 1965, until March 11 of 2020, the NBA had always had at least one, and usually many, of his players. That 55-year span began with Billy Cunningham. (Bladen Journal)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

Lucas: All Together Now
North Carolina Basketball's reunion weekend was emotional, hilarious, and motivational. That's eight decades of Carolina hoops history under one very well-loved roof (which, as we...
Sun Sep 13, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's ACC Schedule, Football Hosts ETSU
UNC Basketball catches a break with a favorable ACC basketball schedule. Isaac Schade and Josh Marlow dissect the Tar Heels’ key conference matchups before turning...
Sat Sep 12, 2026

UNC once recruited Shaq. Why he's back in ACC country as DJ Diesel
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal will perform as DJ Diesel Saturday ahead of the North Carolina vs. East Tennessee State football game. He visited...
Sat Sep 12, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Defense-First Blueprint
UNC Basketball sets its sights on a renewed identity as Coach Michael Malone unveils his blueprint focused on defense, rebounding, fast-paced transitions, and ball movement...
Fri Sep 11, 2026