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

Video: IC Podcast - What is UNC Basketball's Goal?
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss how NCAA Tournament expansion could affect scheduling for the Tar Heels and what the goals in...
Sun May 10, 2026

Professional Journey Begins in Chicago For UNC Basketball's NBA Draft Hopefuls
The next step toward the pros begins Friday in Chicago, tipping off a nine-day stretch featuring the NBA G League Draft Combine, NBA Draft Lottery,...
Fri May 8, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Recruiting Alexandros Samodurov?
The UNC Basketball staff has reportedly contacted Greek forward Alexandros Samodurov, who is a friend of Tar Heel transfer signee Neoklis Avdalas. Could Samodurov join...
Fri May 8, 2026

Piecing Together UNC Basketball's 2026-27 Opponents
UNC is less than six months from tipping off its first season under Michael Malone, and much like the basketball roster itself, the Tar Heels’...
Thu May 7, 2026