University of North Carolina Athletics
Time Stands Still
February 9, 2015 | Men's Basketball
by Fred Kiger
Once again, time stands still. Back in October of 1997 we wrestled with the reality that a coaching career had ended. Today, we struggle with the news that a life is over. On a day with skies the color of argyle uniforms, Carolina blue is just a little bluer. Indeed, there's new meaning to Blue Heaven.
For all the tributes and memorializing that will come, I'm not sure Coach Smith would be comfortable. I smile for I can imagine him fretting over the fuss made over him and can hear him deferring to seniors, assistant coaches and anybody and anything but him. The humility—a big part of why we love him so. Of course, we, also, admire him because of his success. It's a part of human nature to embrace winning but his numbers and honors pale to the victories he won with individuals and circumstances off the court. Titles are one thing. Molding responsible and committed members of the human race is another.
To the end of my days, I will treasure my association with him. As just one of his many statisticians and, like all who came under his guidance, I try to, not only be a better player in this thing called life, but be a better person. Today, all that takes new meaning and re-dedication.
In the last few years, I tried to thank him, yet again, for so much but, by then, it was difficult. Standing before him, I watched with great discomfort as he tried to piece together who stood before him. That's over now for the veil is gone and the mental clouds have cleared. Today, we say farewell but, even as I write, he is being greeted by colleagues and friends who have gone on before. I can just imagine the animated and lively conversations about basketball, athletics, religion—about life. Oh, the stories that will be shared.
For us, those left behind, we, like to talk about those we love in the present tense. Past tense is uncomfortable and, yet, on this day, we find ourselves with that reality. We've lost someone who was such a vital part of our collective memories and, yet, ever the teacher, I think he would want us to give a quick look over the shoulder, perhaps, a point and a smile and, then, he would challenge us to play on. And in this complicated game of life, he would want us to do it as he asked of all his players—by playing hard, playing smart and having fun.
Yes, on this day punctuated by Carolina Blue skies, Dean Edwards Smith—the coach, teacher and man—has left us but his light continues to shine…continues to guide. In October of 1997 we remember the end of a coaching career. Today, in February of 2015, we'll remember the day, the hour, where we were and with whom when we learned of his passing. Once again, time stands still. So it is when truly great men die.
Note: Fred Kiger (UNC '74 and MAP '77) served as a statistician for Dean Smith and the Tar Heel coaching staff for four seasons from 1974-78. He wrote this column on Sunday Feb. 8 after hearing the news of Dean Smith's death.
