The family of former North Carolina
basketball coach Dean Smith issued a statement Saturday addressing the health
of the college basketball icon.
The statement acknowledged Smith is suffering from a progressive
neurocognitive disorder that affects his memory, but added he still enjoys an
active lifestyle and has continued his relationships with current head coach
Roy Williams, former players, friends and family.
"Our dad is almost eighty years old, so it's expected that he might show signs
of aging. After spending an entire lifetime without a visit to the hospital
except to see players and friends, he had to undergo two procedures in the
past three years: a knee replacement surgery and a repair of an abdominal
aortic aneurysm. But what other people may have noticed - and what has been
speculated about recently in the media - is that our dad may not remember
quite like he used to," the family's statement began.
"Coach Smith wanted to keep his professional and personal life separate. But
as we all know, the personal and professional life can sometimes overlap, and
we understand that many fans, former players, and friends are concerned about
his well-being. In trying to balance our dad's wishes and the genuine concern
so many people have for Coach Smith, we want to update you about his health,
but ask that you respect his privacy. Our dad has a progressive neurocognitive
disorder that affects his memory. So now, he may not immediately recall the
name of every former player from his many years in coaching, but that does not
diminish what those players meant to him or how much he cares about them.
"Throughout his career, he has always preferred the spotlight be on the
Carolina basketball program and the University, rather than himself. We hope
that you will understand and respect his wishes. Thank you for your
consideration and well wishes for our dad."
The 79-year-old Smith spent 36 years at the helm of North Carolina basketball
and retired in 1997 with the most wins in NCAA history. His 879 victories has
since been surpassed by Bobby Knight. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of
Fame in 1983, Smith led the Tar Heels to two national championships and 11
Final Four appearances. In 2006, he was inducted to the National Collegiate
Basketball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.
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