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.

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

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.

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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.