The UNC Basketball program was well represented in the first two episodes of “The Last Dance” that aired on ESPN Sunday night
The first two episodes of ESPN’s newest 30-for-30 documentary “The Last Dance” that spotlights Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of the 90s premiered on ESPN Sunday night and what a start to the series.
We got a look at the early years of Jordan’s career in Chicago as well as the start of the dysfunction that eventually led to the downfall of a dynasty. While there were a few moments that stood out in the first two episodes, one of the best ones for us was Jordan’s time at UNC that was shown.
The documentary took a look at Jordan with the Tar Heels including him hitting the game-winning shot to deliver UNC a national championship in 1982. Dean Smith, Roy Williams and James Worthy were shown in interviews and it drew a positive reaction among those watching.
The story of Jordan wanting to return to Chapel Hill for his senior season and Smith urging him to go to the NBA was told and it was fantastic. That’s they type of guy Smith was and Williams currently is. If a player has the chance to go pro, those coaches will give an honest assessment and guide them to the correct path.
Numerous people on Twitter, including celebs and athletes, spoke on Smith’s appearance as well as what Williams said about Jordan being the best player in the country. Here are some of those reactions:
Dean Smith telling Michael Jordan to go pro because that’s what was best for him, instead of telling him to stay which would have been best for Dean Smith.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 20, 2020
That’s a coach you want to play for.
So Kraus tells the best coach in the NBA he has one year and to take a hike, and Dean Smith tells his best player to go pro because it’s what’s best for players future... I’m learning about what separates good leaders from bad leaders...Ego
— Tommy Strine (@coach_strine) April 20, 2020
I freaking loved Dean Smith. Finest gentleman I've ever met.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 20, 2020
Dean Smith was a real one for telling him to turn pro #TheLastDance
— Tajh Boyd (@TajhB10) April 20, 2020
“If you got the shot, take the shot” -Dean Smith to Michael Jordan
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 20, 2020
Coaches!! Y’all can learn something about instilling confidence in your players #TheLastDance
Dean Smith told Mike to go pro. Most of these coaches would NEVER #TheLastDance
— FOST (@GeorgeFoster72) April 20, 2020
Seeing Dean Smith put a smile on my face. Thank you, Coach Smith for influencing so many young coaches. @UNC_Basketball
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) April 20, 2020
The Roy Williams efficiency in this doc is off the charts.
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) April 20, 2020
everything roy williams says is wildly charming
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) April 20, 2020
I want to watch the full footage of the Roy Williams interview
— Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) April 20, 2020
As you can see, those are just some of the tweets praising Williams and Smith. The clips including the coaches were fantastic and the interviews Williams gave were among the best in the documentary so far.
The best news?
We are likely getting more Roy in the future parts of this documentary and we can’t wait to hear him say “freakin'” again. Daggum.
For more on Jordan, Smith and Williams, please check back with Keeping It Heel.