Mike Krzyzewski said he would defer to Roy Williams as the debate over the future of North Carolina’s basketball arena continues, adding that any changes should preserve Dean Smith’s legacy.
The retired Duke coach, who had a 17-19 record at the Smith Center, said he was unaware of the discussion surrounding the arena’s potential relocation until Williams spoke out publicly earlier this week. “I didn’t realize it was going on until Roy spoke,” Krzyzewski said in a recent interview with Josh Graham on the Westwood One Sport Night national radio show
Krzyzewski praised Williams — his close friend, fellow Naismith Hall of Famer and former ACC rival — and said Williams’ perspective carries particular weight given his relationship with Smith.
“Roy and I are great friends. I think Roy’s one of the best guys and, obviously, one of the greatest coaches of all time,” Krzyzewski said. “I saw his video and I said, ‘Wow. That was really good.’ … I would listen to Roy, who understood Dean the best.”
Williams, who coached North Carolina from 2003 to 2021 after serving a decade as Smith’s assistant, has emerged as a leading voice opposing any move of the Dean Dome off campus. In a video released Monday by RenovateSmithCenter.org, Williams urged university leaders to renovate the arena rather than relocate it.
“I’m very much in favor of staying here in the Smith Center,” Williams said. “Remodeling, renovating, whatever we need to do. I do not want to go off campus.”
Krzyzewski said that if UNC ultimately moves the arena, Smith’s name should remain attached. “And if, perchance, they do move something, they better name it the Smith Center,” Krzyzewski said. “Because Dean was one of the greatest of all time. And he not only produced outstanding teams and players, he produced outstanding men.”
The public debate intensified this week with the launch of a petition titled “Renovate, Don’t Relocate,” which argues that keeping the Smith Center on campus best preserves tradition. University officials have said a new venue could cost at least $800 million, while petition organizers estimate a renovation at under $400 million.
UNC administrators have said no final decision or timeline for a decision has been set.
One of the places being considered is Carolina North, where school officials this week announced plans to develop the 947-acre property two miles from downtown Chapel Hill.
A replacement for the Smith Center is not currently in the announced plans.
“We’re not ready to make a decision there yet … we want to make sure we’re talking to as many people as we can,” UNC chancellor Lee Roberts told the N&O on Monday, “and making the best decision that we possibly can.”
