“It was Coach Smith's call” - Michael Jordan on what convinced him to declare for the NBA Draft

Posted Apr 24, 2023
When Michael Jordan concluded his junior year at UNC, he had a choice on whether to take his talents to the NBA or spend his senior year with the Tar Heels. He was already considered a top pick in the NBA draft, but his college coach Dean Smith was the one who pushed him to forego his senior year. "I relied so much on his knowledge," Jordan said. (Basketball Network)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

UNC Basketball vs. Virginia Postgame Notes
UNC rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat No. 14 Virginia, its largest deficit in a victory since trailing UCLA by 16 in a 76-74...
Sun Jan 25, 2026

Video: Big Hitters Podcast - UNC's Massive Road Win At Virginia
No. 22 UNC comes back from down 16 in the second half to defeat No. 14 Virginia in Charlottesville. Former Tar Heel walk-on Spenser Dalton,...
Sun Jan 25, 2026

Lucas: On The Move
At a place where Virginia used to thrive on making it impossible to run, UNC changed Saturday's game by pushing the tempo. "We got steals,...
Sat Jan 24, 2026

UNC vs. Virginia Observations: 40-19, Strong Close, Jarin Stevenson, Rebounding
UNC lost and then regained the lead, riding junior Jarin Stevenson, who scored all 17 of his points over the final 12:42 of the contest...
Sat Jan 24, 2026