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: Henri Veesaar to NBA Draft, 3 UNC Basketball Commitments, New Transfer Portal Targets
Henri Veesaar declared for the NBA Draft as UNC Basketball landed three transfer portal commitments. Carolina Football hosted recruits and signed four players to NFL...
Mon Apr 27, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Lands Transfer 7-Footer Cade Bennerman
UNC Basketball added depth to its frontcourt with Northwestern transfer center Cade Bennerman. Isaac Schade spotlights Bennerman’s potential as a developmental seven-footer, examining his athletic...
Mon Apr 27, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball's Big Priority
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley from Inside Carolina discuss the big priority for UNC Basketball coach Michael Malone and staff and how the Tar Heels...
Mon Apr 27, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - What's UNC Basketball's Move at Center?
Following Henri Veesaar's decision to enter the NBA Draft, UNC Basketball faces the "tall" task of replacing The Big Estonian. Unfortunately, there aren't many current...
Mon Apr 27, 2026