In a landmark moment that honors the legacy of one of college basketball’s greatest coaches, Michael Jordan and six fellow Tar Heel legends have come together to make a staggering \$30.2 million donation to the University of North Carolina in tribute to the late, great Coach Dean Smith.
The historic gift, announced early Tuesday via ESPN, has sent shockwaves through the basketball world and ignited a wave of pride and celebration among UNC fans. The donation is the largest of its kind in UNC basketball history and will fund a comprehensive renovation of basketball facilities, expand scholarship support, and establish the “Dean Smith Leadership Institute” on campus.
Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time and a proud alumnus of Dean Smith’s system, spoke emotionally about the gesture.
> “Coach Smith changed our lives — not just as players, but as men. This is our way of honoring the values he instilled in all of us,” Jordan said. “Carolina Blue runs through us forever.”
Joining Jordan in the donation are fellow UNC greats James Worthy, Vince Carter, Antawn Jamison, Ty Lawson, Jerry Stackhouse, and Rasheed Wallace—each of whom cited Smith’s mentorship and legacy as the driving force behind their collective commitment.
The university confirmed that a significant portion of the funds will go toward modernizing the Dean E. Smith Center, including upgraded training, wellness, and academic facilities for student-athletes. The Dean Smith Leadership Institute will serve both student-athletes and the broader student body, focusing on leadership, social responsibility, and community impact—core principles of Smith’s coaching philosophy.
UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz called the donation “a defining moment in the university’s history,” adding, “This isn’t just a gift—this is a continuation of Coach Smith’s vision to mold leaders through sport, education, and integrity.”
Social media erupted in tribute to the move, with #CarolinaBlueForever trending nationwide and fans, alumni, and even rival programs praising the impact and meaning behind the donation.
Dean Smith, who passed away in 2015, won 879 games and two national championships during his legendary tenure at UNC, but was just as revered for his commitment to civil rights, education, and mentoring players beyond basketball.
This gift, Jordan emphasized, isn’t about cementing a legacy—but continuing one.
> “We’re just paying forward what Coach gave to us,” he said. “This is for the next generation of Tar Heels—and for the memory of a man who gave us everything.”
