Dean Smith died Saturday night, Feb. 7, at 83. The former North Carolina Tar Heels basketball coach’s death was met with a wave of support and love Sunday, Feb. 8, with thousands of social media users paying their respects to Smith, who led the University of North Carolina to two national titles, 11 Final Four appearances and 30 combined conference titles.
The Hall of Famer will also be remembered for being a proponent of desegregation during the civil rights movement and recruiting the first black player to North Carolina in 1964. He touched on plenty of other political issues during his run at UNC, including vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, nuclear weapons and capital punishment.
Here are some of the best Twitter posts regarding Smith’s death:
#RIP to one of the greatest teachers our beautiful game of basketball has ever seen #DeanSmith
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 8, 2015
RIP Mr. Dean Smith — Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 8, 2015
Dean Smith an educator and great coach will not be forgotten. He taught player more than just bball skills RIP — Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) February 8, 2015
We join basketball fans everywhere in mourning the loss of Dean Smith, a legendary coach and a mentor to so many in the NBA family. — NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2015
The countless ways Dean Smith lives on: Recruited UNC's first black athlete Charlie Scott whose son, Shannon, will start for Ohio St today. — Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) February 8, 2015
RIP to Dean Smith. Way more than just a coach. He was a man who actually made a difference in the lives of his players & humanity. — Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) February 8, 2015
Dean Smith was the most innovative and player-loved coach of his time. — John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 8, 2015
R.I.P. Coach Dean Smith... — Rob Riggle (@RobRiggle) February 8, 2015
Following death, a good indicator of someone’s impact on the country is whether President Barack Obama sounds off in an official statement. The Commander in Chief let the world know of Smith’s importance Sunday:
President Barack Obama releases statement on the passing of Dean Smith. pic.twitter.com/pzuthLhonA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2015
Michael Jordan, perhaps the greatest American athlete ever, also released a statement. Smith led Jordan and the Tar Heels to the NCAA Championship in 1982.
Michael Jordan’s statement on the passing of his former UNC coach Dean Smith. pic.twitter.com/AEldXLqO8g — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2015
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