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

Video: Neo Avdalas, Angelo Brizzi Preseason Press Conferences
North Carolina forward Neoklis Avdalas and guard Angelo Brizzi speak with the media on Monday afternoon following the Tar Heels' first full week of official...
Mon Sep 28, 2026

Jaydon Young Bringing Energy, Leadership to UNC Basketball
After a four-day stint in the transfer portal, Jaydon Young returned to UNC as one of three scholarship players in Michael Malone’s first season, placing...
Mon Sep 28, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball Practice Begins, Exhibitions Draw Near
With exhibition games beginning in just under two weeks, UNC Basketball has plenty to prepare for. The Tar Heel staff been hosting elite recruits on...
Mon Sep 28, 2026

Jarin Stevenson Learning to Take It Personally
Jarin Stevenson will never be the loudest one in the room. He's quiet in nature. When he sat down in front of the microphone Thursday...
Sun Sep 27, 2026