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 - UNC Basketball's Big Challenge vs. Wyoming
Is UNC Basketball really getting better under Michael Malone, or was the Tar Heels' dominant win over Wofford simply a product of the competition? Isaac...
Tue Nov 10, 2026

North Carolina vs. Wyoming Basketball Preview: Tar Heels Look to Stack Performances Against Cowboys
The 2026-27 season marks the third for Wyoming basketball coach Sundance Wicks. Wyoming finished 95th nationally in KenPom rankings following last season's 18-15 record. The...
Tue Nov 10, 2026

Tar Heels in NBA: Coby White dishes out nine assists as Hornets snap losing streak
Coby White had six assists in his first three games this season. He handed out nine in 20 minutes Monday and scored a season-high 10...
Tue Nov 10, 2026

Video: Terrence Oglesby, Randolph Childress Discuss UNC Basketball
Terrence Oglesby and Randolph Childress discuss UNC Basketball and what they've seen from Michael Malone's Tar Heels over the first few games of the season,...
Tue Nov 10, 2026