Oakes' Outlook: Dean Smith, Priceless Gem

I never had the chance to meet Dean Smith. But somehow, I always felt like I knew him. We all did.

I’ll never forget standing in the Smith Center as a UNC student, chills tingling down my spine. In his last public appearance in the house aptly named after him, Coach Smith took his final bow in February of 2010.

The roof could have popped off the Dean Dome that day for the “Celebration of a Century” event. An uncomfortable Coach Smith, never one to like the spotlight – always pointing the credit elsewhere, couldn’t hide from it this time. He received a showering of love and admiration from former players, assistant coaches and the entire Tar Heel nation. The affection was palpable. The radiant warmth was immense.

Coach Smith with Michael Jordan (USA Today)

Coach Smith was overwhelmed. Teary-eyed, he gazed up at the rafters containing the national championship banners and retired players’ jerseys – legendary figures of the sport, so many of whom he sculpted and molded into better men. Coach Smith slowly lifted up his arm, sheepishly acknowledging the thunderous applause. It seemed like it lasted for hours.

But then, just as suddenly, he was gone. Walking off through the tunnel and disappearing behind the black curtains, out of view. Coach, I’ll never forget that experience. On that day, the giver finally got to receive. But it was like saying goodbye to an old friend.

There’s just so much you’ve given to all of us, Coach. Thank you.

Your innovative techniques and relentless emphasis on teamwork (‘we’ before ‘me’) transformed the game of basketball forever. And of course, your teams experienced wild success, so much so that Carolina is now synonymous with college basketball; the Tar Heel jersey, world-renowned.

But your national titles and Final Four appearances don’t begin to explain the deep sadness your void has left in all our hearts. We mourn for the impactful man that touched our lives. A friend. A father. A teacher.

Coach Smith (center) seated with Roy Williams and Michael Jordan (Tar Heel Blog)

He taught us we could achieve greatness at the highest level while still doing it the right way, “the Carolina Way” – with a class, dignity and humility unwavering.

Yes, we lost a leading pillar of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and the entire college sports nation over the weekend. Dean Smith, your lasting legacy is hard to put into words. And now that you’re gone, it’s even harder.

I can’t wait to get back in your Smith Center soon and hear the emotional cheers for your humble video introduction,”Hello, I’m Dean Smith, and I’m a Tar Heel.” Yes, you are. But you’re so much more than that. Coach, I know you’re in a much better place up there in that beautiful Carolina blue sky. Heaven just gained a ‘priceless gem.’

Follow Matt on Twitter @moakes3

Oakes’ Outlook: Dean Smith, Priceless Gem

On Air Now: 97.9 FM