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
Hubert Davis' Ten Most Memorable VictoriesThis column looks back at Hubert Davis’ tenure and the 10 most noteworthy wins as UNC basketball coach. If you’re looking for a trip down...
Wed Mar 25, 2026Video: Big Hitters Podcast - Hubert Davis Out At UNC
Ross Martin and Spenser Dalton discuss UNC's decision to fire Hubert Davis, what went wrong, how UNC athletic directors Bubba Cunningham and Steve Newmark handled...
Wed Mar 25, 2026
Chansky’s Notebook: You’re a Good Man, Hubert Davis
Hubert Davis is a Tar Heel through and through, from his days idolizing his uncle Walter Davis to his playing years as a sharpshooter, all...
Wed Mar 25, 2026
UNC coaching candidates: Pros and cons for Dusty May, Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd, and others
Tommy Lloyd has crushed it at every stop. He was one of the top assistants in the country, helping Gonzaga turn into a powerhouse. He's...
Wed Mar 25, 2026