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

50 years ago, Dean Smith led Team USA to gold
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Dean Smith’s gold medal run at the 1976 Olympics. The legendary UNC Basketball coach guided the Americans to a...
Tue Aug 4, 2026

Video: UNC Basketball Lookahead Series - Neo Avdalas
Andrew Jones and Jacob Turner from TarHeel247 discuss UNC Basketball transfer guard Neoklis Avdalas, his game, his development, and his potential role for the Tar...
Tue Aug 4, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Pursuit of Micah Handlogten, Cameron Fens Explained
The NCAA’s 5th-year eligibility ruling throws the college basketball landscape into chaos. After a weekend of legal twists, questions emerge about transfer targets like Florida’s...
Mon Aug 3, 2026

Newsletter: UNC Basketball Explores Wild New Portal Window, Football Opens Camp Amid Investigation
UNC Football kicked off training camp this past week, but the headlines weren’t about touchdowns. Basketball had its own bombshell: a court ruling reopened eligibility...
Mon Aug 3, 2026