By ANTHONY SCHIFANO
Renowned North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball coach, Dean Smith passed away Feb. 7.
The retired coach died “peacefully” at his North Carolina home, the school said in a statement that the Smith family released. Hew was with his wife and five children. Smith had health issues. In 2010, the family released a statement explaining that Smith was starting to lose his memory. During this time, he had kept a lower profile.
“Dean Smith wasn’t just about basketball,” said Pepperdine University’s basketball manager Nic Schifano. “He was a man who cared about his community and issues that surrounded him and his country.”
In a career that stretched over 40 years, Smith coached the likes of Micheal Jordan and James Worthy. ESPN.com explains that he influenced the game and how it is played in ways that are unrivaled. The “time-melting” offense that Smith was famous for, led to the installment of the 35 second shot-clock to counter it.
“As a coach, I like to look at other coaches coaching styles,” said Ramsey High School varsity basketball coach Kevin McGuire. “For me, the way Dean Smith coached was the most effective with my players over the years.”
The now-common “point to the passer,” in which the scorer points to the man who assisted him, originated in Chapel Hill and is still known as the “Carolina Way.”
Smith’s Career at The University of North Carolina
Smith’s numerical record is outstanding. He was 879-254 (.776 win pct.). He had only one losing record in 36 seasons which came in his first as a coach and he left the game surpassing University of Kentucky’s legendary coach, Adolph Rupp as the winningest men’s basketball coach in Division I history.
He led the Tar Heels to 13 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament championships, 11 Final Fours, five national title games and two National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in 1982 and 1993.
The eight time ACC Coach of the Year, won at least 20 games in his last 27 seasons at North Carolina and made a record 23 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament.
“When I started the college searching process, I wanted to go somewhere I could play basketball and compete at a high level,” said Senior guard for the Point Pleasant Beach Garnet Gulls, Christopher Schifano. “When I interviewed with the coach’s of some of the programs, I would look for qualities like Mr. Smith’s.”
According to ESPN.com, more than 95 percent of Smith’s letterman graduated from one of the nation’s top universities.
After retirement, Smith remained as a figure in the North Carolina’s basketball program, keeping an office at the Dean E. Smith Center, the arena that opened in 1986. He also played a role in the development of players throughout their careers at the university. Consulting them whether to stay in school or enter the National Basketball League draft.
Smith lived a fulfilling life on and off the basketball court. He has passed on, however, his legacy will always be living.
https://storify.com/GoHeels/rememberingdeansmith
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