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

Inside UNC’s Circle That Will Be Tested at Cameron Against No. 1 Duke
Before the season, Hubert Davis handed each player a handbook. Inside was every player's name within a circle. That circle has been shut ever since...
Sat Mar 7, 2026

North Carolina vs. Duke Basketball Preview: Underdog Tar Heels Face No. 1 Blue Devils
Duke has picked up three Quad 1 wins since losing to the Tar Heels — tied with Arizona for the most Q1 wins with 14...
Sat Mar 7, 2026

Video: Rivalry Rewind - UNC Basketball vs. Duke, March 5, 2022
We’re recapping the moment North Carolina took down Coach K for the final time in Durham, 94-81, on March 5, 2022 (Box Score). Brady Manek,...
Sat Mar 7, 2026

No. 17 UNC Men's Basketball Faces Tall Task at No. 1 Duke Saturday Without Caleb Wilson
The Tar Heels received word on Friday that star freshman Caleb Wilson will miss the remainder of the season with a broken right thumb suffered...
Sat Mar 7, 2026