In a Heartfelt Display of Loyalty and Love, UNC Basketball Legends Reunite to Honor the Late Dean Smith’s $36,000 “Dinner on Me” Gift — The Legendary Coach Who Ensured Every Former Player Received $200 from His Will to Share One Last Meal Together, Proving His Legacy of Family Lives On Forever.
In an emotional and unforgettable evening in Chapel Hill, generations of North Carolina Tar Heel legends came together to honor the man who built not just champions, but a family — the late, great Coach Dean Smith. Nearly a decade after his passing, Smith’s spirit was celebrated through one of the most personal and powerful gestures in sports history: his $36,000 “Dinner on Me” gift to former players.
When the details of Smith’s will were first revealed in 2015, it stunned the sports world. The Hall of Fame coach had arranged for each of his approximately 180 former players to receive a $200 check accompanied by a note reading simply, “Dinner’s on me. Love, Coach Smith.” It was a small sum by modern standards, but its emotional impact was immeasurable.
This year, that gesture inspired an extraordinary reunion called “Dinner on Coach” — a celebration held at the Dean E. Smith Center, the very arena named in his honor. Players from every era of Smith’s tenure returned, from stars like James Worthy and Vince Carter to lesser-known names who still felt the same love and respect for their legendary coach.
The atmosphere inside the Smith Center was electric with nostalgia. Old footage of Smith coaching his players, teaching life lessons, and celebrating championships played on giant screens as hundreds of Tar Heel alumni gathered for what felt less like a formal event and more like a family reunion.
Phil Ford, Smith’s former All-American point guard and longtime friend, opened the night with a powerful speech. “Coach Smith never stopped caring,” Ford said, his voice cracking. “That $200 wasn’t about money — it was about love. He wanted to remind us that no matter where life took us, we’d always have a seat at his table.”
The dinner featured foods from Smith’s favorite Chapel Hill restaurants, reflecting his simple yet thoughtful nature. Between courses, players took turns sharing stories — moments of mentorship, tough lessons, and quiet kindness.
James Worthy recalled how Smith taught humility even in moments of victory. “He’d tell us, ‘Act like you’ve been there before,’” Worthy said, smiling. “He believed character mattered more than talent. And this dinner — this whole gesture — is proof of that.”
Former players also used the event to continue Smith’s mission of giving back. Collectively, they pledged their $200 checks to the Dean Smith Scholarship Fund, helping provide educational opportunities for underprivileged North Carolina students — a cause close to Smith’s heart throughout his lifetime.
Roy Williams, Smith’s protégé and successor, delivered one of the night’s most emotional tributes. “Coach Smith’s greatness wasn’t just in his record or his titles,” Williams said. “It was in how deeply he cared about every single person who crossed his path. That $36,000 wasn’t a financial gift — it was a message. A message that family never ends.”
As the night went on, the players laughed, cried, and embraced, telling stories that painted a fuller picture of the man behind the legend. They recalled his gentle scoldings about being punctual, his insistence that players thank passers after every assist, and his tireless fight for racial equality and education reform.
Near the end of the evening, the lights dimmed and a video montage played — clips of Smith coaching, smiling, and speaking about the importance of teamwork and integrity. When the screen faded to black, the words appeared: “Dinner’s on me.” The crowd stood for a long, emotional ovation.
As the event concluded, each player raised their glass for one final toast. “To Coach Smith,” they said together. “Our mentor, our leader, our family.”
Dean Smith’s influence extended far beyond the hardwood. His life was a masterclass in humility, compassion, and leadership — and even in death, he continued to teach the values that defined him.
Through one last dinner shared across generations, the Carolina family proved that Coach Smith’s legacy — one built on love, unity, and respect — will forever live on in Chapel Hill.