Dean Smith, Rick Robey and the moment UNC and Kentucky became real rivals

Posted Dec 13, 2014
It came in the 1977 NCAA Tournament. There were 22 seconds left in the NCAA East Regional championship game when Dean Smith charged all the way down the basketball floor of the University of Maryland's Cole Field House. The North Carolina coach had watched Kentucky power forward Rick Robey knock down Carolina guard John Kuester with a forearm. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Kim English Changes Mind, Leaving UNC Basketball Coaching Staff
After accepting a position on Michael Malone’s UNC Basketball staff earlier this week, former Providence head coach Kim English has decided not to take the...
Sun Apr 19, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Isaiah Denis returning to UNC. What about Henri Veesaar and others?
Isaiah Denis becomes the second Tar Heel to pull out of the transfer portal and return to UNC this offseason, joining Jaydon Young. Meanwhile Kyan...
Sun Apr 19, 2026

Seth Trimble Takes Next Step At Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
Across three games at the Portsmouth Invitational, Seth Trimble made the most of his opportunity. Trimble averaged 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per...
Sun Apr 19, 2026

Isaiah Denis Returning to North Carolina for Sophomore Season
Upon further thought, Isaiah Denis will withdraw from the transfer portal and remain to UNC his sophomore season. "Chapel Hill we got unfinished business,” said...
Sat Apr 18, 2026