The coaching tree from Naismith to Popovich

Posted Jun 17, 2014
This graphic via Reddit shows how to trace the professional lineage of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's coaching tree all the way back to the inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. It shows you how direct the descendency is. Just five branches to Popovich. From Naismith to "Phog" Allen to Dean Smith to Larry Brown to Popovich, and there you are. (CBS Sports)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Matt Able’s NBA Draft Journey Led Him Back to North Carolina
After the NBA combine, where Matt Able received feedback from NBA teams but not the first-round guarantee he was looking for, he granted UNC fans...
Sat Oct 31, 2026

Tar Heels in NBA: Six 3s, 23 points for Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson poured in 23 points, making six 3-pointers, with five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks on Friday, but in a 125-111 road loss...
Sat Oct 31, 2026

Audio: Jones Angell Previews UNC Football vs. Miami, Men’s Basketball vs. Western Carolina
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell discusses UNC football and men’s basketball, ahead of two big games: Football hosts No. 1 Miami on Saturday...
Sat Oct 31, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - DeMarcus Henry Commits To North Carolina
Michael Malone's first commitment of the 2027 basketball recruiting class is 5-star DeMarcus Henry. The 6-7 wing chose the Tar Heels over Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville,...
Fri Oct 30, 2026