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: Kevin Keatts recaps UNC Basketball practice
Former NC State basketball coach Kevin Keatts shares his impressions after watching a UNC Basketball practice under new coach Michael Malone, including the coaching staff's...
Sun Oct 4, 2026

'Comfortable' Cam Johnson riding momentum into second Nuggets season
Cam Johnson understands he didn’t make the best first impression in Denver. “If I could delete the first couple weeks of last season, I think...
Sun Oct 4, 2026

Terrence Brown Looking to Showcase Complete Skill Set for UNC Basketball
Ranked as the No. 10 shooting guard in the transfer portal this offseason, Terrence Brown committed to Michael Malone on April 21. And when asked...
Sat Oct 3, 2026

Terrence Brown Quickly Getting Taste of Carolina Spotlight
North Carolina point guard Terrence Brown has experienced plenty of firsts during his first five months at UNC. He's acclimating to coach Michael Malone, new...
Fri Oct 2, 2026