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

Former Tar Heel Jonathan Holmes Named a Silver Waves Media Most Impactful Mid Major Assistant
Silver Waves Media announced its 7th annual Mid Major Assistant Coaches and GM's lists on Monday afternoon, with Miami associate head coach Jonathan Holmes being...
Fri Jan 23, 2026

North Carolina vs. Virginia Basketball Preview: Cavaliers Present Big Road Challenge for Tar Heels
At third in the ACC standings, Virginia is off to its best start since the 2018-19 season. The Cavaliers have done so with a 4-2...
Fri Jan 23, 2026

UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts calls fervent Smith Center debate 'a positive'
There has been plenty of discussion surrounding the potential relocation or renovation of the Smith Center this week - and that's putting it lightly. While...
Fri Jan 23, 2026

No. 22 UNC at No. 14 Virginia: TV info, stats, scouting Cavaliers, keys to game, and notes
Virginia will likely pack the lane and help aggressively on Caleb Wilson and the post game. UNC’s guards and wings must be ready to knock...
Fri Jan 23, 2026