I'd never get elected if people in North Carolina realized how liberal I am.

- Dean Smith

I just think we shouldn't get into counting coaches' records. I've never been for that... but I know that's just American society.

- Dean Smith

I think the real free person in society is one that's disciplined. It's the one that can choose; that is the free one.

- Dean Smith

There is a point in every contest when sitting on the sidelines is not an option.

- Dean Smith

If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot.

- Dean Smith

Basketball is a team game. But that doesn't mean all five players should have the same amount of shots.

- Dean Smith

The best way to stop the problem of agents would be for the NCAA to come down hard and suspend a school for two years if it finds players with agents on campus.

- Dean Smith

Given the fact that we are in a capitalist society, we still do not want to overlook not only what a corporation produces and its profitability but also how it impacts the environment, touches human life and whether it protects or undermines the dignity of the human person.

- Dean Smith

Our teachers at the public school level are the most underpaid for the importance of their job in America.

- Dean Smith

As soon as you try to describe a close friendship, it loses something.

- Dean Smith

I'd like to see the high schools put in a rule that limits recruitable athletes from playing on teams outside a 100-mile radius from their home or school.

- Dean Smith

I do believe in praising that which deserves to be praised.

- Dean Smith

I know a lawyer who'd love to retire and be an assistant coach. I mean, it's fun.

- Dean Smith

I always mean what I say, but I don't always say what I'm thinking.

- Dean Smith

I enjoy basketball. I enjoy coaching basketball. It's the out-of-season stuff I didn't handle well.

- Dean Smith

The presidents of colleges have to have some courage to step forward. You can't limit alcohol in college sports, you have to get rid of it.

- Dean Smith