Calipari: Dean Smith was the original players-first coach
Posted Jun 22, 2014
When I went to Dean Smith’s basketball camp as a counselor and began to work for Larry Brown, who played and coached under Dean Smith, he gave me the vision to make it about the kids. He made everything he did about them. It may seem crazy to think that something so logical as making it about the kids as innovative, but Dean Smith made it part of the foundation that we coach on today.
(CoachCal.com)
Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting
Jerry Stackhouse 'disappointed' UNC didn't interview him for coaching jobJerry Stackhouse said he expressed interest in the UNC coaching job that ultimately went to Michael Malone but never received an interview from his alma...
Tue May 12, 2026Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Back in the High School Recruiting Game for Kevin Thomas
The assumption had been that UNC would finish filling out its 2026-27 basketball roster either through the transfer portal or international ranks, but the...
Tue May 12, 2026
Former UNC Forward Deon Thompson Expected to Join Michael Malone's Basketball Coaching Staff
Deon Thompson is coming home. A source close to the program confirmed the 2009 national champion is expected to join Michael Malone’s staff as a...
Tue May 12, 2026
What UNC Basketball lost and gained in backcourt production
The Tar Heels' entire starting backcourt has turned over this offseason. The good news for UNC Basketball is that coach Michael Malone has brought in...
Tue May 12, 2026