Like everyone else, I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of Coach Smith's passing.
As I've read, and listened to, the numerous stories that are pouring in as tributes to the man and coach, I am amazed at just how much of an impact he has had on people, his university and his sport. From the "little" things he instilled in his team like "point to the assist man," or "the Carolina Way," to the number of legendary players he developed, to the awesome number of outstanding coaches that have sprung from his coaching tree, he will truly be missed.
And of course, Coach Smith's "reach" has certainly touched us on the Hilltop since one of his most outstanding coaching prodigies is leading us out of the basketball wilderness in which SMU has languished for countless years. (NOTE to Adam...it would be interesting if you could corner Coach B. long enough to get his thoughts, recollections, and memories of the times he shared with Coach Smith)
All of this reflection with Coach Smith has caused me to think about the coaches who have had an immense impact on SMU athletics. As a result, I started a list of those individuals who, like Coach Smith, have left their "hand prints" on SMU. The list is, in no way, exhaustive or complete...
FOOTBALL[/B]
- Ray Morrison
- Madison Bell
- Hayden Fry (not so much for his won/loss record, but for how he changed the landscape of SWC football)
BASKETBALL
- Doc Hayes
- Larry Brown
SWIMMING
- Red Barr
- George McMillion
To me, these coaches embodied the same characteristics as Coach Smith (although for most of them, certainly not to the extent of Coach Smith's record of success on the court...exception...Coach B). SMU has been fortunate to have had (or in Coach B's case...to HAVE!) these men on our campus. They mean to us what Dean Smith means to Carolina.
To the Tarheel Nation, our deepest sympathies for your loss. To Dean Smith...thank you for your legacy!
As I've read, and listened to, the numerous stories that are pouring in as tributes to the man and coach, I am amazed at just how much of an impact he has had on people, his university and his sport. From the "little" things he instilled in his team like "point to the assist man," or "the Carolina Way," to the number of legendary players he developed, to the awesome number of outstanding coaches that have sprung from his coaching tree, he will truly be missed.
And of course, Coach Smith's "reach" has certainly touched us on the Hilltop since one of his most outstanding coaching prodigies is leading us out of the basketball wilderness in which SMU has languished for countless years. (NOTE to Adam...it would be interesting if you could corner Coach B. long enough to get his thoughts, recollections, and memories of the times he shared with Coach Smith)
All of this reflection with Coach Smith has caused me to think about the coaches who have had an immense impact on SMU athletics. As a result, I started a list of those individuals who, like Coach Smith, have left their "hand prints" on SMU. The list is, in no way, exhaustive or complete...
FOOTBALL[/B]
- Ray Morrison
- Madison Bell
- Hayden Fry (not so much for his won/loss record, but for how he changed the landscape of SWC football)
BASKETBALL
- Doc Hayes
- Larry Brown
SWIMMING
- Red Barr
- George McMillion
To me, these coaches embodied the same characteristics as Coach Smith (although for most of them, certainly not to the extent of Coach Smith's record of success on the court...exception...Coach B). SMU has been fortunate to have had (or in Coach B's case...to HAVE!) these men on our campus. They mean to us what Dean Smith means to Carolina.
To the Tarheel Nation, our deepest sympathies for your loss. To Dean Smith...thank you for your legacy!
