Few figures in college basketball history carry the weight of Dean Smith, and even longtime rivals recognize it.
Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski recently weighed in on the ongoing conversation surrounding the Dean Smith Center, making strong comments with respect for the North Carolina icon and emphasizing the importance of keeping his legacy alive.
“I would listen to Roy, who understood Dean the best,” Krzyzewski said, per Tar Heels Wire. “And if, per chance, they do move something, they better name it the Smith Center. Dean was one of the greatest of all time. He not only produced outstanding teams and players, but he also produced outstanding men. And Roy did the same thing.”
Coach K’s comments carry significant meaning, as even the biggest rivals to UNC understand what an arena like the Dean Smith Center means to coaches.
The future of the Smith Center has become a topic of discussion among alumni, former and current players, and fans. Renovation, modernization, and long-term planning have all entered the conversation, but some fear that it could be moved and the name would no longer be what it should be.
Krzyzewski made it clear that it should be named after Smith, no matter what.
By pointing directly to coach Roy Williams, he also showed a level of respect for another legend in this game. Both coaches built more than winning programs, as they built programs and fan bases along the way. Stadiums, as crazy as it might sound to some, are big parts of that.
Smith’s influence was far more important than championships. He shaped generations of players who carried his lessons into coaching, parenting, and life in general. He’s very deserving of having a stadium named after him.
The Smith Center could certainly use renovations, but that’s much different than changing locations. UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts outlined the upgrades it needs, per WRAL.
“We need to invest significant capital in the Smith Center to keep it operational,” Roberts said. “It needs a new roof. Everyone knows about the problems with the bathrooms and the concessions. There’s work to be done for [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliance. “So we need to step back before we spend $80 [million] to $100 million to put a Band-Aid on the Smith Center and replace the roof, to make sure that we’re spending that money as well as we can — especially at a time when it costs much more money to fund elite programs.”