Dean Smith's coaching genius, character showed in early struggles

Posted Feb 13, 2015
The booming baritone voice on the other end of the line left no doubt about a willingness to tackle the subject of Dean Smith’s early days. I think he called me “Holliday.” Lee Shaffer often does when he wants to make a passionate point about Carolina basketball: “People have no idea,” he said, “what Dean Smith inherited.” (WRAL Sports Fan)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Newsletter: UNC Basketball Coaching Search, Smith Center Debate Tabled, Caleb Wilson To NBA Draft
The North Carolina Men's Basketball coaching search is in full swing, Caleb Wilson is off to the NBA Draft, the Smith Center vs. new arena...
Mon Mar 30, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - A Closer Look at Dusty May
UNC's first tier of options in its men's basketball coaching search is not complete without Michigan head coach Dusty May. Inside Carolina's Rob Harrington, Sean...
Mon Mar 30, 2026

UNC suspends discussions on basketball arena indefinitely
UNC has suspended discussions about the future of the Smith Center until the Tar Heels hire their next men’s basketball coach and that coach has...
Sun Mar 29, 2026

Tommy Lloyd: 'Arizona is going to have another good coach after me'
UNC Basketball coaching target Tommy Lloyd after Arizona beat Purdue to advance to the Final Four: "My number one responsibility is to fight to protect...
Sun Mar 29, 2026