Just saw that Coach Smith died last night at age 83. Whether you liked him or not, he was one of the innovators of college basketball, and helped bring the ACC into national prominence. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Tar Heel community.

There will never be another coach like.  Can remember watching Tarheel basketball in the 70s with my dad.  He was a huge Dean Smith fan.  Just listening to comments from his former players and staff you can understand why he was loved and respected.

I've been sad all day. He was a class act, one of a kind, forward thinking coach, man and sports legend. His love for his players and the game are unsurpassed.

My heart goes out to his family and all the people whose lives he influenced.

xoxo,

Steph

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ean Smith was coached by Phog Allen who was coached by James Naismith... You can't get a better coaching lineage than that!

Coach Smith was without question ahead of his time...both with his on the court teaching (though watching his "four corner" bleed the clock offensive game plan often drove me nuts!) and his willingness to embrace the social issues of the tumultuous 1960's.  

He took a lot of criticism for awhile as he never could win the Championship (after reaching the final four so many times). But once he got that first title (Thanks to someone named MJ) he really got the accolades he deserved all along.

A true legend on and off the court!  Condolences Tar Heel Nation!

Dear Steph:
Not only was he known for he strategical contributions, he also had the foresight and the prescience to recruit and accomodate Charlie Scott near the apex of the civil rights movement. A move that paid off in a Final Four appearance in 1968.

Thank was a huge move for the late 60s!

Steph xoxo

Only one or two others have done that.

and innovator and I had nothing but respect for him-though he was the enemy and as you know, I'm a committed Dookie.  His incredible record speaks for itself. I always pulled for the Heels if they got out of the ACC and was quite elated when Dean won his 1st National Championship in 1982 when poor Fred Brown of Georgetown threw the ball to James Worthy in the waning seconds by mistake.  I was rather thrilled in 1993 as well when the Heels won for Dean's second NCAA title. I was no fan of the Fab Five of Michigan and my Devils kicking their butt in a previous title game warmed the cockles of my heart.  After the 93 game my creative juices were flowing, which resulted in the following 'brilliant epic'/ 'Casey at the Bat' ripoff to commemorate the great Heel victory-All the Heel fans I've given this to seemed to enjoy it-Big Blue fans....not so much    grin    here goes......
                                         
                                                'WOLVERINES CAN'T COUNT'

Twas an awesome competition
in New Orleans on that day
two great teams for the national cage title
had come to jump and shoot and play

Dean and the classy Tar Heels
were going for it all
against the mighty Wolverines of MICHIGAN
the Hot Dog rogues of basketball

Rose and Webber led the Wolverines
a trash talking haughty pair
'We're the roundball kings
we do great things-we're the Princes of Mid air

Montross, Lynch, Phelps, and Reece...they sparked the boys in blue
and Williams was the savior more than a time or two

The game had lots of ebbs and flows
and late the Heels were but two up
but fortune smiled on the maize and blue-
had the Heels run out of luck?

For Sullivan missed the second of two
and the great Webber grabbed the ball
He took a little hop and step....
A blind ref blew the call!!!

The Michigan crowd rose in unison
as Chris roared on down the floor
certain he's win it with a three
or slam it down for sure

They knew he'd fill the basket up
he would not be denied
'We've got the game-it's all ours now,"
the Michigan faithful cried.

He dribbled down with dazzling speed
they knew he'd soar just like a kite
as he came on toward the basket
with his strength and speed and might!

The game is now a memory
twas one of great renown
a super duper contest
and the Heels now wear the crown!

In Chapel Hill now thousands cheer
they jump with glee and shout
but there is no joy in Michigan
for Chris Webber called.....'time out'

Dean, wherever you are, hope you enjoyed that-God Bless You and RIP-
1rob