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 - UNC Basketball Filling in the Roster Gaps
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss UNC Basketball's three new transfer portal additions, what's still on the table, what's next for a...
Wed Apr 22, 2026

UNC Basketball roster takes shape in Tuesday flurry, Henri Veesaar decision looming large
UNC's basketball roster changed quickly Tuesday when the Tar Heels added Utah transfer guard Terrence Brown, NC State transfer guard Matt Able, and Florida Atlantic...
Wed Apr 22, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball lands 3 commits within hours; What's with Henri Veesaar?
UNC Basketball had quite the day Tuesday, grabbing 3 commitments from the transfer portal: Terrence Brown (Utah), Matt Able (NC State), and Maxim Logue (FAU)...
Wed Apr 22, 2026

UNC basketball arena plan neared launch before backlash halted Carolina North push
Plans for a new home for UNC men’s basketball were far more advanced than previously known. Documents reveal a months-long, highly coordinated push by university...
Wed Apr 22, 2026