Dean Smith coached at the University of North Carolina for 36 years, building a storied program and etching his name in history as one of college basketball's most legendary coaches.
An NCAA champion as a player with Kansas in 1952, Smith transitioned to coaching after college, first sharpening his chops as an assistant. In 1961, he took over as head coach of the Tar Heels, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.
Smith's tenure at Chapel Hill was marked by tremendous success, including two NCAA Division 1 national championships (1982 and 1993) and 11 Final Four appearances. Beyond his mastery of the X's and O's, he earned a reputation at UNC as a true players' coach who looked after his players' welfare and brought out the best in them.
Former NBA All-Star Antawn Jamison had the privilege to play under Smith during the legendary coach's final two seasons at UNC. He attests to what made Smith so special, particularly his ability to connect with his players not only in basketball terms but, more importantly, in life beyond the game.
Tawn spoke about it on UNC teammate Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady's "Cousins" podcast, highlighting that playing for Smith was truly a memorable experience.
"I think the biggest thing is that coach cared about the person. It wasn't all about just what you can do for this basketball program, you know, getting that ball into the basket," Jamison said .
"I remember the visit that we took and he told my mom and dad like, 'I can't promise you that your son is going to make it to the NBA or that he's going to have this unbelievable career at Carolina. I can tell you that he's going to get an education. He's going to graduate and he's going to become a better man than what he was before he came into my university," he added.
Recognizing that their late coach had their backs every step of the way, Jamison made sure he represented Smith and North Carolina as best he could, delivering on the basketball court.
Alongside Carter, Jamison helped lead the Tar Heels to the NCAA Tournament in the two years he played under Smith. In 1997, his sophomore season and Smith's final year, Jamison earned All-American honors while averaging 19.1 points and 9.4 rebounds, playing a key role in UNC's run to the Final Four.
Jamison stayed for one more season at North Carolina before declaring for the 1998 NBA Draft. He was selected fourth by the Toronto Raptors , but was immediately traded on draft night to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the rights to the fifth overall pick Carter.
The 6'9″ forward played 16 years in the NBA, becoming an All-Star and winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2004 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks .
Related: Michael Jordan honors his mother with the largest single donation in UNC history
Probably the most famous player to have played for Smith was NBA great Michael Jordan , who was part of the UNC team that won the national title in 1982.
Like Jamison, "His Airness" had only good things to say about his coach, sharing how Smith had a far-reaching influence on him, on and off the court.
"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," Jordan said following Smith's passing in 2015 at the age of 83.
There is no denying the legend that Coach Smith built at North Carolina. Though he is no longer around, his legacy lives on in those whose lives he touched.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
