Known not just for his contributions to the game of basketball, but also for his class and love for his players, Dean Smith’s legend continues to grow — even after his death.
Before Smith died, the former Kansas basketball player and legendary North Carolina coach made sure he left a little “thank you” behind for each of his former players.
A photo of a letter sent out from Smith’s trust began circulating on social media Thursday afternoon.
All 180 of Dean Smith’s players received request to update their address. They now know why: http://t.co/XYWQiwY0Ww pic.twitter.com/2oETyLY1xv
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) March 26, 2015
The message, [as shown in the note sent to former UNC player Dante Calabria][1], explained that Smith set up his will to give $200 to each Tar Heel he coached during his time in Chapel Hill:
> “Each player was important and special
> to Coach Smith and when he prepared
> his estate plan, Coach wanted to reach
> out to each of his lettermen.
> Accordingly, Coach directed that
> following his passing each letterman
> be sent a two hundred dollar check
> with the message, ‘enjoy a dinner out,
> compliments of Coach Dean Smith.'”
What a cool gesture.
Smith, a native of Emporia, played at KU under Phog Allen, and came off the bench for the Jayhawks when they won the 1952 national championship game against St. John’s.
[1]: http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/03/26/dean-smith-will-200-dollars-north-carolina-players
