**Sunday News: UNC Tar Heels Announce Plans to Honor Former Men’s Basketball Top Legend**
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a heartfelt announcement this Sunday, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has unveiled plans to honor one of the most iconic figures in Tar Heel basketball history. The tribute, set to take place during the upcoming basketball season, will recognize the extraordinary legacy of former player and coach Dean Smith — a name synonymous with UNC excellence, leadership, and tradition.
Smith, who coached the Tar Heels for 36 seasons, is credited not only with building one of the most respected programs in college basketball history but also with shaping generations of players both on and off the court. Under his leadership, UNC claimed two NCAA championships, 11 Final Four appearances, and 879 career wins — a record at the time of his retirement in 1997.
The tribute will culminate in a special ceremony during a high-profile home game at the Dean E. Smith Center, which already bears his name. University officials and the athletic department revealed that the event will include a video tribute, special guests from past teams, and the unveiling of a commemorative banner or statue to celebrate his lifelong contributions to the program and the sport.
UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement, “Coach Smith was more than a coach — he was a teacher, mentor, and leader who shaped lives. Honoring him in this way ensures that future generations of Tar Heels understand the depth of his impact on Carolina basketball and beyond.”
Former players, including basketball greats Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter, are expected to attend the ceremony and share personal reflections on Smith’s influence. Jordan, who famously called Smith “the greatest coach I ever had,” has often credited him with instilling the discipline and mindset that shaped his legendary NBA career.
In addition to the on-court celebration, UNC plans to launch a community outreach initiative in Coach Smith’s honor, focused on youth leadership, education, and social justice — causes that were close to his heart. Smith was a pioneer both on the sidelines and in society, known for recruiting the first Black scholarship athlete at UNC, Charlie Scott, and for his public stance against segregation and the death penalty.
Fans and alumni will also be invited to participate in the tribute through an online memory wall, where they can share stories, photos, and messages about how Coach Smith impacted their lives.
As Tar Heel Nation prepares to celebrate the legacy of one of its greatest legends, the ceremony promises to be more than just a look back — it will be a reminder of the values that define UNC basketball: integrity, excellence, and the power of leadership through service.
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