Dean Smith: a Coaching Legend

If you make every game a life-and-death situation, you’re going to have problems. For one thing, you’ll be dead a lot. ~Dean Smith (Quotes)
      Dean Edwards Smith is a retired player and head coach of men’s college basketball.   Originally, from Emporia, Kansas, the Basketball Hall of Fame has called Smith a “coaching legend.”   Smith is known best for his successful coaching at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“UNC”) for thirty-six years.   In today’s world, Dean Smith would be considered a dreamer because as a child Dean Smith aspired to one day become a basketball player and coach, which is exactly what he did.   (Smith)
      Smith was born in Euphoria, Kansas on February 28, 1931.   Smith is the son of Alfred Dillon and Vesta Marie. (Dean Edwards Smith)   Both of his parents were public school teachers and his father coached high school basketball.   Smith attended Topeka High School and played basketball there.   During his four years at Topeka High School, Smith lettered in basketball every year.   His senior year marked the beginning of his long list of achievements.   Smith was named all state in basketball his senior year.   Although Smith loved basketball, his interest in sports was not limited to basketball.   Smith played many other sports and played vital roles on each other team.   He played football his freshman year and was a great quarterback.   He also played varsity baseball as the catcher.   While Smith loved all sports, basketball was his forte.   Smith attended the University of Kansas after graduating from high school in 1949.   Not only was he a great basketball player he was also a devote student.   He was granted an academic scholarship and majored in mathematics.   While at the University of Kansas, Smith continued to play sports.   He played basketball, baseball, and football.   While playing basketball for Kansas, Smith was coached by the legendary Forrest “Phog” Allen.   During his time on the Kansas basketball team Kansas won the... [continues]

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