Roy Williams reflects on Dean Smith on weekly radio show
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- UNC Men's Basketball Head Coach Roy Williams usually spends his radio show at the Top of the Hill talking upcoming game strategy, but Monday he devoted the whole hour to the late Dean Smith.
"Tonight will be dedicated to discussing, remembering, celebrating the legendary former coach," said Tar Heel play-by-play announcer Jones Angell at the top of the live broadcast.
Williams led off before a packed audience of Tar Heel loyalist listing several superlatives for Smith -- among them second father, gentleman, and mentor.
"Dean Smith shared the most valuable thing you could ever share. That was his knowledge. I've always thought of it that way because coach was such a teacher," said Williams.
Williams served as an assistant under Smith from 1978 to 1988. He counts himself blessed to have learned from the man who pioneered the four corners offense and the senior day game.
"Other people think I'm joking, but I'm not. I'm not an innovator. I'm a copier," said Williams. "My goodness! Why would I be stupid enough to copy someone else when I've had a chance to copy Coach Smith?"
Former UNC big man Eric Montross, who played from 1990-94, joined Williams in the chorus of praises, calling Smith's interaction with his players deeper than normal.
"Everybody can see two dimensions of you, but he wanted to know what's the third dimension look and what's important to you," explained Montross.
A parade of other former players and assistants like Phil Ford called in to the show to agree.
Antawn Jamison said Smith taught him how to be a better brother, son, and father to his own kids.
"I get down on my knees every night and just thank God that that guy came to my house and recruited me to come to the University of North Carolina, and I made the smartest decision in the world," said the retired NBA power forward who played for UNC from 1995-98.
The retired legendary voice of the Tar Heels Woody Durham said Smith always made time for his players even after they left school.
"One of the best things he ever did was when those guys finished up their schooling, he called them into his office and he told them. He said, 'If you ever need me just call me,'" said Durham.
Former UNC Athletics Director and current Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford was driving from Charlottesville back into North Carolina when he called in to say Smith's impact was immeasurable.
"He represents what every college coach of any sport should be," said Swofford.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Meanwhile, the UNC-Chapel Hill will celebrate the life of Coach Dean Smith during a public memorial service at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, in the Dean E. Smith Center. The public, fans and all who cared about Coach Smith are invited to attend this event. ABC11 and ABC11.com will show the memorial service live.
The family will have a private church service on Thursday morning, Feb. 12.
"We are comforted by the countless gestures and words from people near and far offering their condolences," the Smith family said in a statement issued Monday. "Although we are unable to respond to each individual, we deeply appreciate everyone reaching out to share how Coach Smith touched their lives. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever."
The family has said that in lieu of flowers, individuals should feel free to make a memorial contribution to one of the following organizations:
- The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, based in Chapel Hill. The organization lives out Smith's values of caring for the poor and those in need.
- The Dean E. Smith Opening Doors Fund will support talented undergraduate students who need significant financial assistance to attend Carolina. It will also provide financial support to graduate students in education and social work - two fields close to Smith's heart.
- Individuals may also give to the charity of their choice to honor Coach Smith and the values he exemplified.
