Mike Krzyzewski appreciated Dean Smith's influence on his career

Posted Dec 19, 2010
Mike Krzyzewski, Dean Smith's long-time rival, was in Philadelphia with Duke for an NCAA tournament regional and sent for Dave Hanners. "He wanted to tell me how much he appreciated the tradition and everything Coach Smith created (because) it made him better," said Hanners, now a Charlotte Bobcats assistant. "It was almost like he was saying (Smith) was my role model." (Charlotte Observer)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

North Carolina Visiting No. 14 Virginia Saturday At Noon - Pregame Notes
Following Wednesday's 91-69 home win over Notre Dame, No. 22 UNC Men's Basketball visits the No. 14 Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday. The game will be...
Sat Jan 24, 2026

No. 22 UNC Men's Basketball Aims to Weather the Storm in Tough Road Test at No. 14 Virginia
This weekend, a serious wintry mix is forecast across the Southeast, while No. 22 North Carolina will be indoors trying to weather a different kind...
Sat Jan 24, 2026

Carolina at Virginia a major home test for No. 14 Cavaliers
One of the highlights of Saturday’s game between ACC heavyweights No. 14 Virginia and No. 22 North Carolina, noon ESPN2, will likely pit star freshmen...
Sat Jan 24, 2026

Virginia trip looms as defining test for UNC Men's Basketball
If there is any game that will be a litmus test for how UNC's season will fare the rest of the way, it’s the one...
Sat Jan 24, 2026