James Worthy, Antawn Jamison Reflect on Dean Smith and UNC’s Unbreakable Basketball Brotherhood
In a moving and nostalgic sit-down, North Carolina basketball legends James Worthy and Antawn Jamison reflected on the powerful legacy of the late Dean Smith and the enduring impact he left on the UNC basketball program. The video conversation, which aired as part of a tribute to Tar Heel culture, offered a heartfelt glimpse into how one coach built not just a team, but a lifelong family.
James Worthy, a national champion and NBA Hall of Famer, spoke with deep admiration about how Coach Smith didn’t just mold him into a better player—but into a better man. “Coach Smith taught us how to be accountable, how to treat people, and how to always give back,” Worthy shared. “He made sure we understood that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Antawn Jamison, a two-time All-American and National Player of the Year in 1998, echoed Worthy’s sentiments. Despite coming to UNC more than a decade later, Jamison felt the same family values. “You walk into that program, and you immediately feel the standard,” Jamison said. “It’s about more than basketball—it’s about doing things the right way, the Carolina Way.”
Throughout the discussion, both Worthy and Jamison emphasized the continuity of UNC’s culture, crediting Smith’s teachings as the blueprint. They spoke about how every player—past and present—feels a connection that transcends generations. “When I see someone wearing Carolina Blue, I already know we speak the same language,” Worthy noted. “It’s family, always.”
Jamison highlighted how the mentorship continues even today. “We reach out to each other,” he said. “Whether it’s helping a guy find a job, encouraging a young player, or showing up at a former teammate’s camp—there’s a bond here that’s unmatched in college basketball.”
Dean Smith, who coached at UNC from 1961 to 1997, was known not just for his victories—879 career wins and two national championships—but for his fierce commitment to social justice, equality, and player development. Both Worthy and Jamison recalled how Smith instilled life values through basketball, teaching players to point to the teammate who passed them the ball after a score and emphasizing teamwork over ego.
“Coach Smith was ahead of his time,” Worthy said. “He recruited players based on character as much as talent. He wanted leaders, thinkers, and young men who could grow into champions on and off the court.”
The conversation also touched on the program’s responsibility to uphold that legacy moving forward. Jamison, who remains closely involved with UNC, said, “It’s on us to keep this going. The foundation was laid, but now it’s our job to protect it, nurture it, and hand it off to the next generation.”
Both legends reflected on how proud they are to see the torch being carried by today’s players and coaches. Worthy mentioned Hubert Davis, the current head coach and a fellow UNC alum, as someone who embodies Smith’s values. “Hubert knows what this place means. He’s got the right heart, and he understands what’s at stake.”
As the interview concluded, both Worthy and Jamison smiled when asked about what it means to be a Tar Heel. “It’s not just four years—it’s forever,” Jamison said. Worthy nodded in agreement, adding, “That’s the beauty of UNC. Once you’re in, you’re always in.”
Their powerful reflections serve as a reminder that the Carolina legacy, built by Dean Smith and carried by his players, is a living, breathing tradition—a brotherhood rooted in respect, unity, and excellence.
