Smith is also known for running a clean program and having a high graduation rate for his players, with 96.6% of his athletes receiving their degrees. While at North Carolina, Smith helped promote desegregation by recruiting the University’s first African American scholarship basketball player, Charlie Scott, and pushing for equal treatment for African Americans by local businesses. Smith coached and worked with numerous individuals at North Carolina who went on to achieve notable success in basketball, as either players or coaches or both. Smith retired as head coach from North Carolina in 1997, saying that he was not able to give the team the same level of enthusiasm that he had given it for years. After retiring, Smith used his influence to help out in various charitable ventures and liberal political activities; however in recent years he has suffered from advanced dementia and has ceased most activities.
I think this photograph sums it up .... one of the greatest and most humble coaches, getting a kiss on the head from perhaps the greatest of his players, Michael Jordan. He accomplished all of this, and used NO profanity. Very few coaches posses his qualities any more, there are a few. He was dedicated to his college and his profession. I doubt he ever argued about money or ever thought of leaving.
