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

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Kevin Thomas' Potential Impact On UNC Basketball
UNC Basketball faces a pivotal freshman shake-up as high-upside wing Kevin Thomas looks ready to contribute sooner than expected. Is the talented small forward flying...
Wed Jul 29, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - Michael Malone's Balanced Approach at UNC
Basketball analyst Rob Harrington joins Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina to discuss Michael Malone's hiring and its impact within the Tar Heel Basketball Family, Malone's...
Wed Jul 29, 2026

Michael Malone Keeps UNC Basketball Team-Bonding Tradition Alive With Outer Banks Trip
One of the most important traditions Hubert Davis established during his tenure as UNC's head coach had little to do with basketball. Each summer, the...
Wed Jul 29, 2026

Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academy marches on with familiar formula
Vince Carter and crew have made tweaks through the decades. “You have to change some things so it’s not boring (for the returners),” he said...
Tue Jul 28, 2026