Former UNC Tarheels Basketball Coach Dean Smith 1931-2015 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 02-08-2015, 10:48 AM

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Dean Smith, who coached North Carolina to two men's basketball national titles, died Saturday night at the age of 83.

The school said in a statement Sunday from Smith's family that the Hall of Fame coach died at his home Saturday night. He was with his wife and five children.

"We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as arrangements are made available to the public. Thank you," Smith's family said in the statement.

Smith had health issues in recent years, with the family saying in 2010 he had a condition that was causing him to lose memory.

Smith coached the Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997, going 879-254 and retiring as the winningest coach in college basketball history. North Carolina won NCAA championships in 1982 and 1993 and reached the Final Four 11 times under Smith.

"We lost one of our greatest ambassadors for college basketball for the way in which a program should be run," said current Tar Heels coach Roy Williams, who worked as an assistant under Smith. "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."

Smith coached Hall of Fame players Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Bob McAdoo and Billy Cunningham, won 13 Atlantic Coast Conference tournament titles and coached the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal in 1976.

"He was the greatest there ever was on the court but far, far better off the court with people," Williams said. "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."

Zoneboy · 02-08-2015, 10:51 AM

Michael Jordan and Dean Smith

Lexi98 · 02-08-2015, 11:08 AM

Wow, I am not much a College Basketball fan, but I have definitely heard of this legendary coach. Very sad news of his passing. R.I.P.

Mr. Television · 02-08-2015, 01:54 PM

Growing up a Terp fan in NC I hated UNC with a passion.The Lefty\Smith matchups were epic and are a big reason I'm as passionate about the sport as I am today. For years I hoped for 2 things, for Maryland to win and for UNC to lose. And without a rival there is no passion. Thanks for giving me something to root against all of those years Dean. RIP. You were a great coach.

bmasters9 · 02-08-2015, 02:28 PM

I have one of his Final Four appearances on DVD: the '81 final matchup where he went against Bobby Knight in the championship game.

Marvo301 · 02-08-2015, 07:15 PM

Dean Smith

Blackout · 02-12-2015, 01:39 PM

RIP

02-08-2015, 10:48 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,552	Former UNC Tarheels Basketball Coach Dean Smith 1931-2015 Link Dean Smith, who coached North Carolina to two men's basketball national titles, died Saturday night at the age of 83. The school said in a statement Sunday from Smith's family that the Hall of Fame coach died at his home Saturday night. He was with his wife and five children. "We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as arrangements are made available to the public. Thank you," Smith's family said in the statement. Smith had health issues in recent years, with the family saying in 2010 he had a condition that was causing him to lose memory. Smith coached the Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997, going 879-254 and retiring as the winningest coach in college basketball history. North Carolina won NCAA championships in 1982 and 1993 and reached the Final Four 11 times under Smith. "We lost one of our greatest ambassadors for college basketball for the way in which a program should be run," said current Tar Heels coach Roy Williams, who worked as an assistant under Smith. "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." Smith coached Hall of Fame players Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Bob McAdoo and Billy Cunningham, won 13 Atlantic Coast Conference tournament titles and coached the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal in 1976. "He was the greatest there ever was on the court but far, far better off the court with people," Williams said. "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."
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02-08-2015, 11:08 AM	#3
Lexi98 Cory & Topanga 4eva Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 06, 2015 Location: Maryland Posts: 303	Wow, I am not much a College Basketball fan, but I have definitely heard of this legendary coach. Very sad news of his passing. R.I.P.
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02-08-2015, 01:54 PM	#4
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,136	Growing up a Terp fan in NC I hated UNC with a passion.The Lefty\Smith matchups were epic and are a big reason I'm as passionate about the sport as I am today. For years I hoped for 2 things, for Maryland to win and for UNC to lose. And without a rival there is no passion. Thanks for giving me something to root against all of those years Dean. RIP. You were a great coach.
	__________________ Sonny

02-08-2015, 02:28 PM	#5
bmasters9 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,550	I have one of his Final Four appearances on DVD: the '81 final matchup where he went against Bobby Knight in the championship game.
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02-08-2015, 07:15 PM	#6
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,465	Dean Smith
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02-08-2015, 10:51 AM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,552	Michael Jordan and Dean Smith

02-12-2015, 01:39 PM	#7
Blackout Sart Bimpson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 13, 2003 Location: where the sun rises Posts: 2,240	RIP
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