Dean Smith Among College Basketball Coaches Who Changed the Game

Posted Nov 16, 2021
Dean Smith, the head coach at North Carolina for 36 years (1961-1997), was one of basketball's more forward thinkers and statistical minds. He used advanced analytics as far back as the 1960s, when his team managers tracked points per possession. “All signs point to him being the father of basketball analytics,” said longtime NBA executive Daryl Morey. (History.com)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar Draft Projections Foreshadow Decisions Facing Tar Heel Stars
While UNC is focused right now on the ACC and NCAA Tournament games on its docket, scouts and draft reporters are focused on the NBA...
Wed Mar 11, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC's Smith Center - What Does 'Forever' Mean?
Greg Barnes of Inside Carolina discusses the complex nature of the Smith Center's permanent seat license, why the decision to renovate or relocate continues to...
Wed Mar 11, 2026

UNC Basketball Already Has Seven Games Together Without Caleb Wilson
If there is any silver lining to the news that Caleb Wilson is out for the season, it's that UNC has already spent a month...
Wed Mar 11, 2026

Using Caleb Wilson, JT Toppin injuries as test case for NCAA Tournament selection committee's proces
UNC faces its own unique injury dilemma entering Selection Sunday, with star freshman Caleb Wilson out with a second injury. After reports that he planned...
Wed Mar 11, 2026