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

Seth Trimble rejects Henri Veesaar in meeting at the rim; RJ Davis scores double figures again
On Saturday in the NBA Summer League, Tar Heels didn’t put up big numbers, but there was no denying the play of the day. It...
Sun Jul 19, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Lands Beckham Black Visit, Watches Recruits at Peach Jam
Top-ranked 2027 basketball recruit Beckham Black has scheduled a visit to UNC. Can coach Michael Malone land a program-changing commitment right out of the gate?...
Fri Jul 17, 2026

Chansky’s Notebook: The Cost of Business
UNC has released its salary structure for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season, and now it has to be a game of wait and see. Michael...
Fri Jul 17, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - What 5-in-5 Means for UNC Basketball
The NCAA’s new "5-in-5" eligibility model could fundamentally change how college basketball programs recruit, develop players, and construct their rosters. What does the opportunity to...
Fri Jul 17, 2026