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

How UNC Basketball Coach Malone Is Already Doing Exactly What He Promised
Coach Michael Malone has already positioned himself and UNC Basketball favorably with many elite recruiting targets. In the 2027 recruiting class, Beckham Black, CJ Rosser,...
Sun Aug 23, 2026

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - Why Maximo Adams Can Be A Difference Maker For UNC Basketball
College basketball and recruiting analyst David Sisk joins Andrew Jones of TarHeel247 to discuss UNC freshman small forward Maximo Adams, his skillset, versatility, work ethic,...
Sat Aug 22, 2026

The NCAA Has Won a Victory in the Class of 2022 Debate. What Does it Mean for UNC?
The Tenth Circuit stay does not affect potential fifth-year college athletes protected by a specific state lawsuit which has either been granted a total restraining...
Sat Aug 22, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball Non-Conference Schedule Breakdown
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley from Inside Carolina break down UNC Basketball's non-conference schedule, highlighted by a run of home games to open the season...
Sat Aug 22, 2026