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

Where Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar Land In CBS Sports Mock NBA Draft
Caleb Wilson: Chicago Bulls, Round 1 - Pick 4. There is a non-zero chance that Wilson ultimately becomes the best player in this stacked class,...
Thu Jun 18, 2026

UNC Men's Basketball Announces Signing of Cade Bennerman
Cade Bennerman, a 7-0, red-shirt freshman center from Nashville, Tenn., is joining the North Carolina men's basketball program this season. Bennerman red-shirted last season at...
Thu Jun 18, 2026

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - European Scout Discusses UNC Basketball's International Recruits
International basketball scout Ersin Demir joins former UNC and NBA forward John Henson from the Netherlands to discuss what he's seen from the Tar Heels’...
Thu Jun 18, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball To Face Indiana In Exhibition; Diamond Heels vs. WVU
UNC Basketball will travel to Indianapolis to play the Indiana Hoosiers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It's an interesting trend where the Tar Heels have played all...
Wed Jun 17, 2026