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: IC Reaction Podcast - Cameron Fens Commits to UNC Basketball
Cameron Fens, a 7-foot, 255-pound center from South Dakota, recently granted an extra season of eligibility, has committed to Michael Malone and UNC Basketball. Inside...
Fri Aug 7, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Strong Non-Conference Schedule
UNC's non-conference basketball schedule contains a high-powered lineup featuring Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, and the newly confirmed West Virginia matchup at the Dick Vitale Invitational. What...
Fri Aug 7, 2026

Matt Able Ready to Trade Supporting Role for Starring Opportunity at UNC
Sophomore guard Matt Able's move from Raleigh to Chapel Hill is historic. He is believed to be the first Wolfpack basketball player to transfer directly...
Fri Aug 7, 2026

Dave Hanners coached Allen Iverson, says Terrence Brown reminds him of 'The Answer'
For three seasons as a Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, Dave Hanners had a front-row seat to marvel at Allen Iverson’s talent. When Hanners, a former...
Fri Aug 7, 2026