Stephen A. Smith has made a bold call for North Carolina's basketball future, championing Kenny Smith as the ideal candidate for the Tar Heels’ head coaching position. This comes hot on the heels of Hubert Davis's departure, and Stephen A. isn't holding back.
During a lively discussion on First Take, Smith touched on UNC’s history of hiring from within, but he suggested it might be time for a fresh perspective. He mentioned names like Todd Golden from Florida and Nate Oats from Alabama, but it was Kenny Smith who stole the spotlight as the unconventional choice.
“If Kenny Smith wants that job, you don’t even think about interviewing another coach,” Stephen A. emphatically stated. His sentiment is clear: Kenny Smith is the man for the job.
Kenny Smith, a former North Carolina national champion and seasoned NBA veteran, has become a familiar face in the media world through his work on TNT and ESPN's Inside the NBA. But it’s his grassroots basketball connections that Stephen A. sees as a game-changer.
In today’s college basketball landscape, recruiting is king. Kenny Smith's extensive network through summer camps and youth circuits could give him a significant edge, especially with the growing influence of NIL deals and the transfer portal.
While it's uncertain how this will unfold, Stephen A.'s endorsement could spark real momentum. North Carolina, a program with a storied past, needs a strong recruiter who embodies Tar Heel tradition. If there’s genuine interest, UNC might just find their perfect match in Kenny Smith.