Menu

On This Date 25 Years Ago: Dean Smith Retires


On October 9, 1997, legendary North Carolina men's basketball coach shocked the college basketball world, announcing his retirement after 36 seasons. Long-time assistant 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 Recruiting

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - UNC Basketball Offseason Updates
Andrew Jones and Jacob Turner from TarHeel247 discuss the evolving atmosphere and culture surrounding the UNC men's basketball program during the offseason, the early impact...

RJ Davis scores 18 against former team; tough shooting games for Veesaar, Powell
R.J. Davis scored 18 and finished with a team-best +10 in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 88-84 victory in San Francisco. The former UNC All-American is...

3 big takeaways from UNC Basketball's 2026-27 nonconference schedule
Last season, UNC Basketball had a challenging yet manageable non-conference schedule. However, that changes this season with new coach Michael Malone at the helm —...

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Top 10 Games Of The Last Decade
UNC Basketball crushed NC State with a historic 51-point blowout. Isaac Schade spotlights wins 10-8 of UNC’s top 10 games from the last ten seasons...

On This Date 25 Years Ago: Dean Smith Retires