News came today that the “Dean” of college basketball, Dean Smith, has passed away. ESPN reported that … “In a career that spanned more than 40 years, Smith coached the likes of Michael Jordan and James Worthy and influenced the game and how it is played in ways that are unrivaled.” It’s not very often a sport has to implement a new rule to limit the influence of a coach, but the NCAA did just that by introducing the shot clock as an answer to Coach Smith’s famous “four corner” offense.
Once the Tar Heels developed a lead, maybe even a small one, coach might call for the ultimate stall, the “four corners.” They would spread the team out, four guards and a center. The guards would each occupy a corner of the half court. Then, for as long as they wanted, sometimes minutes would go by, they would pass and dribble keeping the opposing team from touching the ball. A single lapse of concentration would then provoke a swift pass to the middle or a drive to the bucket for an uncontested layup. For Carolina fans, it was heaven. For all others, well, it was not heaven.
Dean Smith was famous for being “the only coach who could hold Michael Jordan to under 20 points” in a game. His emphasis on teamwork and “us” was of paramount importance.
97% of his players graduated with a degree.
Basketball fans will miss his smile. Rest in peace, Coach Smith.