Dean Smith opened so many doors for many African American players at the University of North Carolina and in the ACC conference. Smith became the first ACC coach to have black basketball players play for his program. He won a slew of ACC regular season and tournament titles. Smith has coached North Carolina to many Final Four appearances as well with the last being in 1995. Coach Smith won a pair of National Championships each in New Orleans in 1982 & 1993 respectively at the Superdome. Dean Smith was a great coach however he was an even better person. North Carolina named their basketball arena after him. Coach Smith passed away earlier in the week after a lengthy battle with dementia. Another coach was loss this week after a health battle as well. Jerry Tarkanian passed away. Yes he coached 1st at Long Beach State and last at Fresno State. Yet people including myself most remember him coach UNLV especially during the 1989-90 season when the Running Rebels blew Duke out to capture the NCAA National Championship. During the 1990-91 season the Running Rebels were upset by Duke at the Final Four missing out on a chance to finish the season undefeated. He helped save the life of Chris Herron while at Fresno State as Herron thanked Tark when he checked in a rehab program as he recovered from drug abuse. Both coaches will most certainly be missed. Prior to their deaths the sports world has witnessed the deaths of Stuart Scott longtime ESPN anchorman due to cancer. We have also saw the passing of Mr. Cub Ernie Banks as well as NFL Films founder Ed Sabol and we are only in the month of February, may the all rest in peace.
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