Smith led the University of North Carolina to two national championships and 11 Final Four appearances in his 36 years as coach. He retired as college basketball’s all-time winningest coach with 879 wins.
Dean Smith
MORE: Dean Smith in photos | Notable sports deaths of 2015
Smith coached some of the most talented and iconic players in basketball history, from James Worthy to Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace and Michael Jordan.
Following the announcement of his passing, several of his former players, friends, colleagues and even current players weighed in with their support and memories of the great coach.
North Carolina forward Jawad Williams (2001-2005):
North Carolina forward Sean May (2002-2005):
North Carolina State guard Chris Corchiani (1987-1991):
A photo posted by Sean May (@bigmayallday) on Feb 8, 2015 at 6:36am PST
Duke forward and current ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas (1982-1986):
Duke guard and current Marquette head coach Steve Wojciechowski (1994 -1998):
Ohio State forward and current CBS broadcaster Clark Kellogg (1979-1982):
Current Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant:
Current Kansas head coach Bill Self:
Current South Carolina head coach Frank Martin:
Current North Carolina guard Marcus Paige:
Current Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor:
North Carolina guard Wayne Ellington (2006-2009):
North Carolina swingman Harrison Barnes (2010-2012):
ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale:
Smith’s longtime assistant and former North Carolina coach Bill Guthridge released a statement alongside former North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour:
North Carolina guard Dexter Strickland (2009-2013):
Current Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul:
A photo posted by Dexter Strickland (@dstrick01) on Feb 8, 2015 at 8:27am PST
North Carolina legend James Worthy (1979-1982):
A photo posted by Chris Paul (@cp3) on Feb 8, 2015 at 1:16pm PST
