Dean Smith Began Historic Coaching Career 59 Years Ago Today

Posted Aug 3, 2020
On August 3, 1961, North Carolina lost a Hall of Fame coach and gained another. Following a major recruiting scandal and rumors of point shaving, UNC Chancellor William Aycock forced coach Frank McGuire to resign and subsequently replaced him with his top assistant — Dean Smith. "It took me about 15 minutes to decide," Aycock said regarding UNC's coaching search. (Inside Carolina)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Four Tar Heels Listed in Early 2027 NBA Mock Drafts
With the 2026 NBA Draft in the books, attention shifts to the 2027 class, where several Tar Heels are expected to garner NBA Draft buzz...
Fri Jun 26, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Summer Pick-up Game Observations
Host Isaac Schade and Coach Bill Robinson discuss what stood out during Michael Malone's first summer camp session and which players are making strong impressions...
Fri Jun 26, 2026

What Henri Veesaar had to say at his Atlanta Hawks introductory press conference
Henri Veesaar on his basketball role models: "Since I was little I've liked watching Karl-Anthony Towns. I feel like he is one of those bigs...
Fri Jun 26, 2026

Caleb Wilson’s No. 4 Draft Selection is a Potential Recruiting Gold Mine for UNC Basketball
Caleb Wilson becoming UNC’s highest NBA Draft pick in more than 20 years is a win far beyond one night. His star power, visibility with...
Fri Jun 26, 2026