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

UNC Men's Basketball To Open Preseason vs. USC In Greensboro Friday Night - Pregame Notes
UNC Men's Basketball will play what is believed to be its earliest preseason game in history when it meets Southern California on Friday at 7...
Fri Oct 9, 2026

North Carolina vs. USC Basketball Exhibition - What To Watch
Here’s what to watch for Friday as UNC Basketball takes the court against USC for the first time under coach Michael Malone. Minutes at the...
Fri Oct 9, 2026

Audio: Previewing UNC vs. Pitt (and UNC Basketball) with Jones Angell
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell previews Saturday’s Tar Heel football game at Pitt – as well as Friday’s preseason basketball exhibition. UNC football...
Fri Oct 9, 2026

Michael Malone says Sayon Keita quickly adapting, thriving ‘remarkable’
Sayon Keita arrived in Chapel Hill in August, the weekend before classes started. That evening, UNC Basketball coach Michael Malone and his staff walked the...
Fri Oct 9, 2026