On This Date 25 Years Ago: Dean Smith Retires

Posted Oct 9, 2022
On October 9, 1997, legendary North Carolina men's basketball coach Dean Smith shocked the college basketball world, announcing his retirement after 36 seasons. Long-time assistant Bill Guthridge would take over as the program’s head coach. Even 25 years later, UNC Basketball still honors Smith's mantra: "Play Hard. Play Smart. Play Together." (Keeping It Heel)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

October Games are Good for UNC Basketball
As poorly as much of UNC's exhibition basketball game against Indiana went on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it didn't occur without benefiting the Tar Heels...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Tyler Zeller on UNC Basketball's Exhibition Loss to Indiana
Tyler Zeller, former ACC Player of the Year and UNC national champion, joins Isaac Schade to discuss the Tar Heels' 18-point exhibition loss to Indiana,...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Caleb Wilson ‘prepared’ ahead of NBA debut; 14 Tar Heels on NBA rosters
The NBA season opens Tuesday with 14 former UNC Basketball players on rosters, with five projected starters and six on two-way contracts, as Caleb Wilson...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Video: Carolina Insider - Interview With Angelo Brizzi
Angelo Brizzi from North Carolina Men's Basketball joins Jones Angell and Adam Lucas on the Carolina Insider Podcast to talk about the Tar Heels' upcoming...
Tue Oct 20, 2026