GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
1997 SESSION
RATIFIED BILL

RESOLUTION 28
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 414

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF COACH DEAN EDWARDS SMITH AND THE MEN'S BASKETBALL PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL.

Whereas, Dean Edwards Smith was a member of the 1952 Kansas University Jayhawks national championship basketball team and a disciple of Kansas Coach Phog Allen; and 
Whereas, his loyalty to his alma mater, the University of Kansas, so impressed former head coach Frank McGuire that he offered Smith a job as an assistant coach, which Smith accepted, despite UNC's victory over Smith's beloved Jayhawks in the 1957 NCAA men's basketball championship game; and
Whereas, Coach Smith's love for the State of North Carolina and the University of North Carolina has continued to grow since his arrival in Chapel Hill in 1958; and 
Whereas, Coach Smith and the UNC men's basketball program have constantly been the source of visionary innovation, perfecting such signature practices as the man-to-man trap defense, the team huddle before a free throw, the "tired" signal, the acknowledgment of a teammate's assist, and the "Four Corners" offense that proved so effective that the institution of the shot clock was the only way to combat it; and
Whereas, Coach Smith has established a tradition of excellence in the UNC men's basketball program during his 36 years as head coach, winning more conference games, more regular season titles, more ACC Tournament games, more ACC championships and more NCAA tournament games than any other coach, and has attained 11 Final Four appearances, 14 ACC titles, and two national championships so far; and
Whereas, Coach Smith, along with Bill Guthridge, John Thompson, with a nucleus of Tar Heels and players from around the country, guided the United States to a gold medal in basketball in the 1976 Olympic Games; and
Whereas, Coach Smith's keen insight into the game and his ability to adapt to changes in the times, the rules, and the nature of the game is vividly demonstrated by his continuing successes in his fourth decade as a coach; and
Whereas, on March 15, 1997, Coach Smith became the "all-time winningest coach" in the history of NCAA Division I basketball, coaching the Tar Heels to their 877th victory under his leadership; and
Whereas, Coach Smith and the UNC men's basketball program have produced nearly 100 professional basketball players, 43 basketball coaches and teachers, and numerous entrepreneurs, professionals, ministers, and other leaders who contribute to their communities throughout the world; and 
Whereas, Coach Smith and the UNC basketball program have consistently emphasized teamwork, discipline, education and character above athletic success, and have served as ambassadors for the State of North Carolina, training young people, from around the world in the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect; and
Whereas, Coach Smith has been revered by former players, team members, and members of the UNC basketball family as a man who seeks the best interest of his students above his own; and
Whereas, for 36 years, Coach Smith has taught his players that basketball is secondary to honor, has maintained a model athletic program that is untainted by scandal, has helped his players mature into responsible adults, and has emphasized the importance of education to a life plan; and
Whereas, Coach Smith's greatest accomplishments lie not in the number of his victories but in the number of his lettermen who have obtained university degrees; a total of 216 of his 222 lettermen have graduated, many with honors; and
Whereas, Coach Smith is a man of character and compassion who was an early advocate for a more equal society, and his commitment to the betterment of all is reflected in his many endeavors to promote education and achievement in all facets of life; and
Whereas, Coach Smith is known as the "Dean of Basketball," but those who are aware of his accomplishments consider him the "Dean of Gentlemen," exemplifying the very best North Carolina has to offer; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

Section 1.  The General Assembly recognizes the outstanding achievements of Coach Dean Edwards Smith and the men's basketball program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, expresses the appreciation and admiration of the people of the State of North Carolina to Dean Edwards Smith for his leadership, integrity, and unparalleled excellence, both on and off the basketball court, and acknowledges the invaluable contribution that the players, coaches, managers, and other members of the UNC basketball family have made to a better world, not only in North Carolina, but across the globe.
Section 2.  The Secretary of State shall send certified copies of this resolution to Coach Dean Edwards Smith, the Athletic Director, and the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Chairman of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees.
Section 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 6th day of August, 1997.

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	Dennis A. Wicker
	President of the Senate

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	Harold J. Brubaker
	Speaker of the House of Representatives