Michael Jordan releases statement on passing of Dean Smith

Former North Carolina coach Dean Smith was one of the most accomplished individuals in college basketball history, and he was perhaps best known for coaching arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.

Michael Jordan became a household name when he played for the Tar Heels under Smith. Jordan made the game-winning shot in the 1982 national championship game and won the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards in 1984. The six-time NBA champion reacted on Sunday to Smith’s passing.

“Other than my parents, no one had a bigger influence on my life than Coach Smith,” Jordan said in a statement. “He was more than a coach — he was my mentor, my teacher, my second father. Coach was always there for me whenever I needed him and I loved him for it. In teaching me the game of basketball, he taught me about life. My heart goes out to Linnea and their kids. We’ve lost a great man who had an incredible impact on his players, his staff and the entire UNC family.”

Jordan played three seasons at North Carolina before turning pro. He returned to UNC to finish his degree in 1986.