There’s a quiet confidence around North Carolina’s linebacker room heading into fall camp—one that would make Bill Belichick crack a rare nod of approval. Fund ...

FILE - In an Oct. 9, 1997 file photo, North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith smiles during a news conference in Chapel Hill, N.C.,where he announced his retirement.

Dean Smith, who passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, won 879 basketball games, two national championships, made 11 Final Fours, coached 24 first round NBA Draft picks, among countless other ...

And it resonated with coaches because they were in awe of Dean Edwards Smith, who died Saturday at 83, and his cognitive powers. Sometimes the awe was grudging, but it was there.

1. North Carolina 63, Georgetown 62 (March 29, 1982): Two decades into his tenure as coach at North Carolina, Dean Smith had a reputation as the coach who couldn't win the big one.

Dean Smith was a spiritual man, and there is no doubt if he had any say in the matter, this escape would have come long ago.

Growing Up, 1931-49: "Mother called him Christopher Columbus" Dean Edwards Smith was born on Feb. 28, 1931, in the east Kansas railroad town of Emporia, the only son of devout Baptist schoolteachers.

The remembrances of Dean Smith continued Monday as college basketball observers fondly recalled the legendary former North Carolina coach, who passed away Saturday at age 83.

Legendary North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith died this weekend at the age of 83. Rather than repeat the honorifics about Smith's unbelievable career, here are some numbers that accomplish ...