Mark Your Calendars: Netflix Sets Date for Emotional Dean Smith Documentary Honoring Legendary UNC Coach

Basketball fans and history buffs, take note — a long-anticipated tribute is officially on the horizon. Netflix has announced the premiere date for a moving new documentary celebrating one of college basketball’s most revered figures: Dean Smith, the iconic head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. Titled Dean Smith: More Than a Coach, the film will debut globally on August 15, 2025.

This documentary goes beyond recounting Smith’s coaching accolades. Instead, it offers an emotional deep dive into the legacy of a man who shaped basketball and changed lives through his compassion, leadership, and values. Smith, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, left behind a towering legacy — not just as a coach with 879 wins, two NCAA titles, and 11 Final Four appearances — but as a tireless advocate for civil rights and personal growth.

“This film isn’t only about basketball,” said director Ava Franklin, an emerging voice in the sports documentary world. “It’s about courage, principle, and the impact one man can have by simply doing the right thing. Dean Smith stood for more than victories — he stood for integrity.”

The film will feature rare archival footage and powerful interviews with former players such as Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Antawn Jamison, along with commentary from coaching legends like Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski. The story spans Smith’s roots in Kansas, his historic decision to recruit Charlie Scott as UNC’s first Black scholarship athlete, and his creation of the “Carolina Way” — a philosophy grounded in selflessness, discipline, and unity.

In the emotional trailer, Michael Jordan reflects, “Coach Smith was more than a coach — he was a father figure. What he taught us went far beyond the court.”

Netflix timed the documentary to honor two major milestones: the 10th anniversary of Smith’s passing and the 50th anniversary of his first national title win in 1975.

“This project was created to reflect the full depth of who Dean Smith was,” said Netflix Sports Documentaries VP Clara Mendoza. “It’s authentic, inspiring, and heartfelt — just like Coach.”

 

The announcement sparked a wave of online tributes, with the hashtag DeanSmithDoc trending on X (formerly Twitter) as fans, alumni, and players flooded social media with memories and gratitude.

Whether you’re a Tar Heel at heart or simply someone who appreciates stories of character and conviction, Dean Smith: More Than a Coach is shaping up to be one of the year’s must-see documentaries.

UNC Basketball Releases First Practice Video of Transfer Portal Additions

UNC has unveiled early practice footage featuring several of its key transfer additions for the 2025-26 season, giving fans their first look at newcomers Henri Veesaar, Kyan Evans, Jonathan Powell, and Jarin Stevenson sporting Carolina blue.

These transfers are part of a nine-player influx that includes a highly regarded high school recruiting class — ranked No. 8 nationally — and international prospect Luka Bogavac. In total, UNC’s transfer portal class ranks No. 22 in the country and No. 3 in the ACC.

Jarin Stevenson

Transfer Portal Rank: No. 138 overall, No. 22 PF
Stevenson arrives from Alabama, where he played in 32 games (starting 22), averaging 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in just under 19 minutes per game. He shot 42.9% from the field and 30.7% from deep.
Analyst Sean Moran noted Stevenson’s physical profile makes him an ideal fit at either the 4 or even the 3, with potential to play small-ball 5. “Carolina may use him as a combo forward,” Moran explained. “His athleticism could make him a defensive game-changer.” With Stevenson (6’11”), Caleb Wilson (6’10”), and Veesaar (7’0”) on the court together, UNC could feature a uniquely long and versatile frontcourt.

Kyan Evans

Transfer Portal Rank: No. 96 overall, No. 11 Combo Guard
Evans, a 6-foot-2 guard from Colorado State, averaged 10.6 points, 3.4 assists, and shot an impressive 44.6% from three last season. His efficiency peaked late, hitting 60% from deep over his final eight games.
“Evans wants to run the show,” Sherrell McMillan said. “He’s capable as a lead ball-handler and offers elite shooting. While turnovers are part of the package, his offensive upside makes it a risk worth taking.”

Jonathan Powell

Transfer Portal Rank: No. 153 overall, No. 37 SG
Powell, UNC’s first portal addition, brings shooting and length at 6-foot-6. As a freshman at West Virginia, he averaged 8.3 points and made 62 threes, the second-most among Big 12 freshmen.

“He’s a classic Roy Williams-style wing,” McMillan noted. “He can shoot, cut, finish — a true system fit. His physicality needs work, but his buy-in to Davis and GM Jim Tanner’s vision is a great sign.”

Henri Veesaar

Transfer Portal Rank: No. 27 overall, No. 3 Center
A 7-foot, 235-pound big man, Veesaar had a breakout year at Arizona, posting 9.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in under 21 minutes per game. He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors.
“His per-minute productivity is off the charts,” Moran said. “Offensively, he’s highly efficient and provides interior finishing. While his defensive rebounding can improve, his length, intelligence, and versatility give UNC a much-needed anchor inside.”

A Rebuilt and Ready Roster

With a balanced blend of size, shooting, and experience, the new-look Tar Heels are reshaping their identity. These portal additions fill last season’s gaps — especially in the frontcourt — while bringing depth and flexibility to Hubert Davis’ lineup. If the early footage is any indication, UNC may have struck a strong balance between long-term development and immediate impact.

Carolina fans have plenty of reasons to be excited — the next era of Tar Heel basketball is already taking shape.

 

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

The North Carolina Tar Heels just added another major piece to their basketball future—say hello to Jaydon Young, the newest Tar Heel ready to make waves in Chapel Hill!

A 6-foot-4 guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, Young brings a dynamic mix of toughness, scoring ability, and defensive grit that perfectly fits the Carolina blueprint. Known for his relentless energy on both ends of the floor, he’s been a standout throughout his high school career, showcasing a high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and a game that continues to evolve.

Young had offers from several high-major programs, but ultimately, it was UNC’s tradition, coaching staff, and family atmosphere that sealed the deal. His commitment represents more than just another talented guard—it’s a sign that Hubert Davis is continuing to lock down elite in-state talent while building a team hungry for banners.

Tar Heel fans should be excited. Young is the kind of player who embraces the spotlight and isn’t afraid of the big moment. Whether he’s knocking down shots from deep, diving for loose balls, or clamping down on an opponent’s top scorer, his impact will be felt from day one.

UNC’s backcourt future just got brighter—and bolder.

Welcome to the Carolina family, Jaydon. Chapel Hill is ready for you!

A former basketball target for UNC decommits after being selected unexpectedly.

Back in the fall, UNC basketball was in the mix for longtime Tar Heel fan Niko Bundalo

The 6-foot-10 senior forward from Prolific Prep (Calif.) had listed UNC among his top nine schools and later included them in his final four, alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. However, in a surprising move last November, Bundalo committed to Washington — a program that hadn’t made his previous shortlist.

Now, the recruitment race is back on. Multiple reports on Tuesday confirmed that Bundalo has been released from his signed commitment to Washington and is once again available.

Ranked No. 31 nationally in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Bundalo is now the second-highest ranked uncommitted prospect in the cycle.

It remains uncertain whether UNC head coach Hubert Davis will pursue him again, though Bundalo’s deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heels — inspired by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make Chapel Hill a natural fit. The Tar Heels still have roster spots open for next season.

UNC Basketball Makes the Cut for the Elite Forward List

The UNC basketball program remains in the hunt for five-star recruit Anthony Thompson, who announced his top 15 schools over the weekend.

In early January, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) standout small forward Anthony Thompson received an offer from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. Nearly four months later, UNC has secured a spot on his shortlist.

On Friday, Thompson revealed his top choices on social media, naming UNC along with BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.

The 6-foot-8, 185-pound left-hander narrowed his options after drawing over 30 scholarship offers early in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

According to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, Thompson currently sits at No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and is the No. 1 prospect in Ohio.

“Whenever Anthony Thompson is in the gym, it’s tough to find a jump shot that looks better,” 247Sports’ Eric Bossi recently observed, also noting Thompson’s impressive “nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan.”

The Tar Heels have issued numerous offers to 2026 prospects and remain firmly in the mix for many of their top recruiting targets.

A second UNC basketball starter arrives at the portal before the deadline.

UNC basketball has now seen several players opt to explore the transfer portal

On Monday morning, just under two days before the portal deadline, Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.