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Michael Jordan releasing shoe that pays homage to UNC legend Dean Smith

By Zack Pearson

CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 7: Michael Jordan kisses former coach Dean Smith of the North Carolina Tar Heels during a halftime ceremony honoring the 1993 national championship team during a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Dean Smith Center on March 7, 2007 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 7: Michael Jordan kisses former coach Dean Smith of the North Carolina Tar Heels during a halftime ceremony honoring the 1993 national championship team during a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Dean Smith Center on March 7, 2007 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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When you think of the UNC Basketball program a few names first come to mind including Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, Phil Ford, Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Williams among others. It’s no secret the program has a legacy of greatness especially after winning six national championships.

One player that was key in the Tar Heels 1982 title was Jordan, who not only had a decorated college career but is considered the best player to ever play the game of basketball.

Now Jordan is set to honor his coach, Dean Smith, in a special way.

Jordan Brand will release a special version of the Jordan Series 01 shoe dedicated to his mentor and coach sometime in 2021. The shoe comes in a predominantly white suede upper featuring Carolina Blue on the toe box, insole and heel tab while a dull orange appears on the tongue.

But the real detailing comes in the words “Dear Dean” on the side and tongue paying homage to the legendary coach. Check out some photos of the shoe below:

Jordan played three years at North Carolina, all under Dean Smith, before leaving for the NBA where he was selected with the No. 3 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft and the rest is history. He would go on to win six NBA titles, six NBA Finals MVP’s, 5 NBA MVP’s, be named to the All-Star game 14 times and a two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner.

Meanwhile, Smith coached at North Carolina from 1961-97 winning  879 career games which was a record at his retirement. He won two NCAA Championships and took the Tar Heels to the Final Four 11 times. His left a legacy at the university and has a coaching tree that features Roy Williams who went on to find success winning three titles at North Carolina.

There is no set release date or price on this shoe but it should be in the coming weeks.

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For more on the UNC Basketball program, Michael Jordan or Dean Smith please check back with Keeping it Heel.

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