Alright, let’s talk about this Dean Smith and Michael Jordan fella. Folks keep jabberin’ on ’bout ’em, so I figured I’d put in my two cents, ya know? Don’t expect no fancy words or nothin’, I just tell it like it is.
Dean Smith, the Coach Man
See, this Dean Smith, he was a coach. A basketball coach, I think. Coached them college boys over at that UNC place. Tar Heels, they call ’em. Fancy name, I tell ya. Anyway, Dean, he was a big deal, from what I hear. Folks say he was tough, but fair. Like a good farmer, gotta be tough on the crops, but gotta be fair too, give ‘em water and sunshine, ya know?
He wasn’t just about yellin’ and screamin’ though. He taught them boys more than just throwin’ a ball in a hoop. He taught ‘em about life, I reckon. How to be good men, not just good players. That’s what my grandpappy always said, “Be a good man first, then worry ‘bout the rest.” Sounds like Dean Smith knew a thing or two about that.
And then there’s this Michael Jordan kid
Now, this Michael Jordan, he was one of them Tar Heel boys. A skinny little fella, I heard. But boy, could he jump! Like a jackrabbit on a hot skillet! Dean Smith, he took this Jordan kid under his wing, so to speak. Taught him the ropes, showed him the way.
- He taught him to play hard
- He taught him to be a team player
- And most important, he taught him to be humble
See, Jordan, he was good, real good. But he was also a bit cocky, like a young rooster thinkin’ he owns the whole barnyard. Dean Smith, he knocked that cockiness right outta him. Showed him that even the best players gotta work hard, gotta listen, and gotta respect the game.
Humbilin’ the Star
I heard a story once, about how Dean Smith made Jordan practice in his shorts from another team. Can you imagine that? The star player, wearin’ another team’s shorts! That’s like makin’ a prize-winning bull wear a donkey’s halter! But Dean Smith, he did it to teach Jordan a lesson. A lesson about humility, about rememberin’ where you came from.
And it worked, I tell ya. Jordan, he learned his lesson. He went on to be one of the best, maybe THE best, basketball player ever. But he never forgot what Dean Smith taught him. He always gave credit where credit was due. He knew that without Dean Smith, he wouldn’t be the Michael Jordan we all know.
A Debt of Gratitude
Folks say Jordan owes Dean Smith a debt. And I reckon they’re right. Dean Smith, he took a talented kid and turned him into a legend. He taught him more than just basketball; he taught him how to be a man. And that’s somethin’ worth more than all the championships in the world.
It’s like plantin’ a seed, ya know? Dean Smith, he planted the seed in Jordan. He watered it, he nurtured it, and he watched it grow into somethin’ mighty fine. And Jordan, he never forgot who planted that seed. That’s what makes their story so special, I think. It ain’t just about basketball, it’s about respect, and gratitude, and the bond between a coach and his player.
Lasting Impact
So yeah, Dean Smith and Michael Jordan. A coach and his player. A story about hard work, humility, and respect. A story that shows us that even the biggest stars need someone to guide them, to teach them, and to keep them grounded. And that, I reckon, is a lesson we can all learn from. Whether you’re playin’ basketball or just tryin’ to get through life, it’s always good to have someone like Dean Smith in your corner.
In Conclusion…
So there you have it, my take on Dean Smith and Michael Jordan. Not fancy, I know. But it’s the truth, as far as I can tell. And that’s all that matters, right?
Tags: [Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, UNC Tar Heels, basketball, coach, player, humility, respect, legend, NBA]
