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

Who is Bryan Tibaldi, the latest addition to Michael Malone’s UNC Basketball staff?
UNC Basketball will add Bryan Tibaldi as an assistant coach on Michael Malone’s first Tar Heels staff, bringing to Chapel Hill a longtime video and...
Thu May 14, 2026

The Value of Deon Thompson
Deon Thompson is back in the Smith Center. Thompson, a member of North Carolina's 2009 national championship team, is set to become a graduate assistant...
Thu May 14, 2026

Henri Veesaar confirms he will remain in NBA draft
UNC's Henri Veesaar, Stanford's Ebuka Okorie, and Duke's Isaiah Evans will stay in the NBA draft, each player said Wednesday at the NBA draft combine...
Thu May 14, 2026

Video: IC Reaction Podcast - Kevin Thomas Commits To UNC Basketball
The crew from Inside Carolina discusses Kevin Thomas and his commitment to Michael Malone and UNC Basketball, Thomas's game and the athleticism he will bring...
Wed May 13, 2026