Dean Smith, beyond the Medal of Freedom

Posted Sep 12, 2013
Dean Smith recruited UNC's first black scholarship athlete, a basketball player named Charles Scott, who said years later that one thing he liked about Smith was that he always showed him respect by calling him “Charles” instead of Charlie. And so Dean Smith, coach of coaches, is deserving of the latest high honor not just for wins and losses, but for being a man of conviction and humanity, who didn’t just talk about freedom but fought for it. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

North Carolina Freshman Caleb Wilson Declares For NBA Draft
UNC star freshman Caleb Wilson is entering the NBA Draft, the 6-foot-10 forward announced Monday. The decision comes as little surprise as Wilson is projected...
Mon Apr 13, 2026

Video: IC Reaction Podcast - Neoklis Avdalas Transferring to UNC Basketball
Former Virginia Tech guard Neoklis Avdalas committed to UNC Basketball on Monday. The 6-9 Avdalas spent one season with the Hokies after playing professionally in...
Mon Apr 13, 2026

Jarin Stevenson Returning to UNC for Senior Season
UNC forward Jarin Stevenson will return to the Tar Heels for his final college season, he announced, giving new coach Michael Malone an experienced frontcourt...
Mon Apr 13, 2026

Kim English To Join Michael Malone's Coaching Staff At UNC
Michael Malone continues to add to his UNC coaching staff. Sources confirmed Monday that former Providence head coach Kim English has agreed to join the...
Mon Apr 13, 2026