Kenny Smith to frame Dean Smith’s check
By Sam Richmond
Kenny Smith told Sports Illustrated that he plans to frame the $200 check that Dean Smith, his former coach at North Carolina, willed to him.
In one of the coolest sports stories of 2015, legendary North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith willed $200 to each of his former lettermen.
However, don’t expect Kenny Smith, who played under Dean Smith from 1983-1987, to cash the check and “enjoy a dinner out” as the coach suggested his players do with the money.
The TNT analyst told Sports Illustrated that he plans to take special care of the check.
"“Well, the $200 is going a frame,” Smith said. “There’s twice in my life where he’s actually given me a check. Once he gave it to me after I spoke at a camp. I looked at him like ‘Coach, are you serious?’ So I ripped that check up, honestly. This is the one I’m gonna keep. It’s gonna be in a frame.”"
We’re sure many other former North Carolina players will follow suit. An item like that is surely worth much more personally to Dean Smith’s former players than the actual $200.
Kenny Smith also told SI that a group of UNC players are planning on getting together soon to talk about their former coach.
"Smith added that he and a few former teammates are going to get together in Indianapolis at the Final Four for a meal and talk about what their coach taught them. That’s what Dean Smith wanted to happen, Kenny Smith said."
It’s awesome to see the connection that Dean Smith had with his players. He was clearly much more than just a basketball coach to his players and it’s that type of relationship that helps make sports special.
During his 36-year career at UNC, Smith went 879-254, made 11 Final Four appearances and won two national championships.
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"“Well, the $200 is going a frame,” Smith said. “There’s twice in my life where he’s actually given me a check. Once he gave it to me after I spoke at a camp. I looked at him like ‘Coach, are you serious?’ So I ripped that check up, honestly. This is the one I’m gonna keep. It’s gonna be in a frame.”"
"Smith added that he and a few former teammates are going to get together in Indianapolis at the Final Four for a meal and talk about what their coach taught them. That’s what Dean Smith wanted to happen, Kenny Smith said."
It’s awesome to see the connection that Dean Smith had with his players. He was clearly much more than just a basketball coach to his players and it’s that type of relationship that helps make sports special.
During his 36-year career at UNC, Smith went 879-254, made 11 Final Four appearances and won two national championships.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle