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

How Neoklis Avdalas Sees Himself Fitting Into UNC's Backcourt
When Neoklis Avdalas arrived at Virginia Tech, he could walk around campus largely unnoticed. That changed once basketball season arrived. There was little anonymity left...
Tue Sep 29, 2026

UNC men's basketball guards figuring out their roles together
Buffalo transfer guard Angelo Brizzi didn’t know what he was looking for in a team, but in joining UNC, he joins an interesting situation. He’s...
Tue Sep 29, 2026

Tar Heels in NBA: No ‘blending in’ for Caleb Wilson; Coby White ready to lead in Charlotte
Caleb Wilson spent Chicago Bulls media day making it clear he doesn’t plan to ease into his rookie season. Asked about his approach entering a...
Tue Sep 29, 2026

Video: RJ Davis Vlog - The Journey: Year 1, Reflections, and New Start
Former North Carolina All-American guard and 2024 ACC Player of the Year R.J. Davis reflects on his first season in professional basketball and prepares for...
Tue Sep 29, 2026