The basketball world lost a legend Saturday night when former North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith passed away. Smith changed the game by creating the four corners offense (essentially creating the shot clock era) and getting his team to huddle before a free throw, but had a bigger impact on the lives of his players outside of basketball. Here are some of the unforgettable moments from his remarkable career:
Creation of the "Carolina Way"
All of the things that have become synonymous with UNC basketball - putting the team before yourself, being committed and disciplined, and maintaining priorities and perspective - were created by Smith. He got his players to point to the man who made the assists, taught them to never taunt the opponent, and put classes first. Smith was the first one to coin "The Carolina Way", and it's something that still holds firm today.
Winning his first National Championship
In 1982, Smith led the Tar Heels to his seventh Final Four, but was still looking for his first national title when they reached the championship game and faced the favored Georgetown Hoyas. The game came down the wire when Smith decided to put the ball in the hands of a freshman named Michael Jordan - the rest is history:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2Nnc_itdEc
Setting the career wins record
Smith broke legendary Kentucky head coach Adolph Rupp's career wins record (867) and finished his career with 879, putting him at the top of college basketball thanks to 27 consecutive 20+ win seasons. He now sits fourth on the list behind Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim, and Bob Knight, but his teams played less games then they do now.
Naming of the Dean Dome
Smith absolutely did not want this to happen, but his lasting legacy and impact on the entire University of North Carolina was honored and cemented when the school named their new basketball area the Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Even though he's passed, the "Dean Dome" will always help us remember his greatness.
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