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

UNC Men's Basketball Picked Fifth in Preseason ACC Poll
Ahead of UNC's first season under Michael Malone, the Tar Heels were picked to finish fifth in the ACC preseason media poll, following a vote...
Tue Oct 13, 2026

Kevin Thomas Wanted To Be Part Of UNC Basketball's 'Winning Group'
Kevin Thomas thought his recruitment was over. The 6–6 wing had committed to LSU and was preparing for the next step in his basketball career...
Tue Oct 13, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - 6 Overreactions After UNC Basketball Preseason Exhibition
UNC Basketball showcased surprising depth in an 18-point win over USC, with Jarin Stevenson turning heads. Despite quiet nights from Matt Able and Terrence Brown,...
Tue Oct 13, 2026

Quiet off the basketball court, Maxi Adams unleashes fury on court
Maximo Adams likes to start game days in a quiet place. With headphones on, calming music and a little meditation, the North Carolina freshman tries...
Tue Oct 13, 2026