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's Caleb Wilson turns pickup run at campus rec center into farewell moment
Caleb Wilson has maintained that, throughout his breakout freshman season at UNC, he’s tried to be approachable - someone who wants classmates to feel comfortable...
Wed Apr 29, 2026

Projecting UNC Basketball’s 2026-27 starting lineup under Michael Malone
New UNC Basketball coach Michael Malone has done a strong job building the Tar Heels' roster through the transfer portal. Carolina has found a high-value...
Wed Apr 29, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC vs. Duke For Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje?
UNC Basketball coach Michael Malone has locked down one teenage frontcourt player while in Spain. The question is, can he land another while he's there...
Wed Apr 29, 2026

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - John Henson Discusses Sayon Keita, Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, and Others
247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein and UNC basketball legend John Henson discuss 5-star Tar Heel center commitment Sayon Keita, the impact he could have...
Wed Apr 29, 2026