Former University of North Carolina men’s basketball coach Dean Smith died on Saturday night in his home, surrounded by family and friends. He was 83 years old.
Smith coached the Tar Heels from 1961-1997, and he garnered eleven Final Four appearances and won two national championships in 1982 and 1993, respectively. The 1982 team featured future hall-of-famers Michael Jordan and James Worthy. When he finally retired, Smith’s 879 wins were the most in college basketball history.
UNC’s current coach Roy Williams — who was an assistant under Smith — released the following statement regarding his mentor’s passing.
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.