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

Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar Draft Projections Foreshadow Decisions Facing Tar Heel Stars
While UNC is focused right now on the ACC and NCAA Tournament games on its docket, scouts and draft reporters are focused on the NBA...
Wed Mar 11, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC's Smith Center - What Does 'Forever' Mean?
Greg Barnes of Inside Carolina discusses the complex nature of the Smith Center's permanent seat license, why the decision to renovate or relocate continues to...
Wed Mar 11, 2026

UNC Basketball Already Has Seven Games Together Without Caleb Wilson
If there is any silver lining to the news that Caleb Wilson is out for the season, it's that UNC has already spent a month...
Wed Mar 11, 2026

Using Caleb Wilson, JT Toppin injuries as test case for NCAA Tournament selection committee's proces
UNC faces its own unique injury dilemma entering Selection Sunday, with star freshman Caleb Wilson out with a second injury. After reports that he planned...
Wed Mar 11, 2026