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.