UNC's K.J. Smith played college basketball at the highest level. Now, he's covering it as an analyst

Posted Sep 6, 2021
K.J. Smith is using his time at UNC and his connections in the college basketball and NBA worlds to hit the ground running in a newly created role. “I learned a lot from UNC about judging talent, what an NBA pro looks like. There’s a lot of players I’ve seen and had my eyes on since I’ve been playing to where I can say: ‘Yeah, this guy is the real deal.’” (Fayetteville Observer)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball's Backcourt Upgrade
UNC Basketball retained Isaiah Denis and Jaydon Young in the backcourt and added Matt Able, Terrence Brown, and Neo Avdalas. Inside Carolina basketball analyst Rob...
Mon Jun 1, 2026

ESPN's College Basketball Way-Too-Early Top 25 Rankings - Post-NBA Withdrawal Deadline
25. North Carolina: Michael Malone has done a pretty impressive job building UNC's roster. Jarin Stevenson is back, Matt Able probably will be a first-round...
Mon Jun 1, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Does Alexandros Samodurov Complete UNC Basketball's Frontcourt?
Michael Malone has landed another international frontcourt player in Alexandros Samodurov. Does that mean the Tar Heels' frontcourt is now finished and ready to go?...
Mon Jun 1, 2026

Newsletter: UNC Baseball To Super Regionals, Samodurov Commits, Able, Brown, and Thomas Sign
UNC Baseball advanced to the Super Regional and will host either Texas A&M or USC. It was a big week for Tar Heel Basketball following...
Mon Jun 1, 2026