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

College basketball coaches on the top 2026 NBA draft picks
On Caleb Wilson: "In the open court, he was down the court in three dribbles. It felt like a college version of Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. Is...
Thu Jun 25, 2026

Atlanta Hawks ‘shocked’ to get Henri Veesaar, who is introduced with Hubert Davis on hand
Henri Veesaar’s first day as an Atlanta Hawk came with a familiar face watching from the back of the room. Former UNC coach Hubert Davis...
Thu Jun 25, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Alexandros Samodurov Arrives, Henri Veesaar's Draft Decision
UNC Basketball secures a major boost as prized international big man Alexandros Samodurov arrives in Chapel Hill. The conversation then pivots to Henri Veesaar’s NBA...
Thu Jun 25, 2026

UNC Men's Basketball To Play Illinois At 2027 Nashville Hoops Showdown
UNC and Illinois will square off in the 2027 Nashville Hoops Showdown on Jan. 30, pitting two programs that expect to compete for their respective...
Thu Jun 25, 2026