R.I.P. TO the great Dean Smith!
With the exception of John Wooden, many have considered Dean Smith the greatest head coach in NCAA Basketball history. Today, the sports world lost one of their greats, with the unfortunate news of his passing at the age of 83. During his 36 year head coaching career at North Carolina 879-254 (.776 win pct), he led the Tar Heels to two NCAA National Titles and has been credited as the person who discovered Michael Jordan’s talents in college.
Don’t believe us, the goat even stated it himself during his Basketball Hall of Fame announcement speech saying, “There’s no way you guys would have got a chance to see Michael Jordan play without Dean Smith”. Although no exact details have emerged regarding his passing, we’re assuming it was natural causes. The irreplaceable legend is survived by his wife and five children – who were bedside with him last night.
“Other than my parents, no one had a bigger influence on my life than Coach Smith. He was more than a coach – he was my mentor, my teacher, my second father. Coach was always there for me whenever I needed him and I loved him for it. In teaching me the game of basketball, he taught me about life. My heart goes out to Linnea and their kids. We’ve lost a great man who had an incredible impact on his players, his staff and the entire UNC family.” – Michael Jordan
“It’s such a great loss for North Carolina – our state, the University, of course the Tar Heel basketball program, but really the entire basketball world. We lost one of our greatest ambassadors for college basketball for the way in which a program should be run. We lost a man of the highest integrity who did so many things off the court to help make the world a better place to live in. He set the standard for loyalty and concern for every one of his players, not just the games won or lost. He was the greatest there ever was on the court but far, far better off the court with people. His concern for people will be the legacy I will remember most. He was a mentor to so many people; he was my mentor. He gave me a chance but, more importantly, he shared with me his knowledge, which is the greatest gift you can give someone.” – Roy Williams
“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Dean Smith. We have lost a man who cannot be replaced. He was one of a kind and the sport of basketball lost one of its true pillars. Dean possessed one of the greatest basketball minds, and was a magnificent teacher and tactician. While building an elite program at North Carolina, he was clearly ahead of his time in dealing with social issues. However, his greatest gift was his unique ability to teach what it takes to become a good man. That was easy for him to do because he was a great man himself. All of his players benefited greatly from his basketball teachings, but even more from his ability to help mold men of integrity, honor and purpose. Those teachings, specifically, will live forever in those he touched. We offer our deepest sympathies – and gratitude for sharing his incredible life with us for so long – to Linnea, his children and the entire North Carolina family.” – Mike Krzyzewski