Tar Heel Player Testimonials

What Do Tar Heel Greats Say About The Tar Heel Book?

Lennie Rosenbluth - UNC 1954-1957

Lennie Rosenbluth got a copy of the book from Phil Ford when it was released in July, 2021. Lennie called us the next day and said: "This is the best book on UNC basketball I've ever seen. It is the Mona Lisa of Tar Heel books!"
Lennie Rosenbluth and his wife Diane with author Ron Smith
Author Ron Smith with Lennie and Diane Rosenbluth

Phil Ford - UNC 1974-1978

Phil Ford, ACC Player of the Year

"You have got to get this book if you are a North Carolina basketball fan.  I’ve never seen a book with so many great never seen before pictures.  I thought I knew all about the Carolina-Duke rivalry but now I know it goes back a lot longer than I thought.  Lots of other great stories and detailed season by season recap are fantastic.  It’s a must have."

Bob Lewis - UNC 1964-1967

"I have just about every book ever published on Carolina basketball and there is nothing like The Tar Heels. Ron has done an amazing job with the research, the writing and finding unique photos." 

Bob Lewis with record setting game ball 

Author Ron Smith with Bob Lewis. Ron is holding the game ball from the 12-16-65 game vs Florida State when Lewis scored 49 points for the single game scoring record that still stands today.

Bob Bennett - UNC 1963-1966

"I was privileged to be in Dean Smith's first recruiting class in 1962 and played for Coach Smith from 1963-1966. There have been many books written about UNC basketball, but, Ron Smith is creating a first. A seven-volume masterpiece featuring and celebrating all of the hundreds of players who proudly wore the blue and white. Volume One was released in 2021 and I read every page. Volume Two covers the years 1962-1969, the initial years of the Dean Smith era. Like Volume One, Volume Two is crammed full of never seen before photos, plus an unbelievable number of fascinating facts and statistics. It's a must for every Tar Heel fan."

Bob Young - UNC 1955-1957

 

"I’ve gotten immense enjoyment delving into the history of UNC BASKETBALL. Growing up during the WAR YEARS I was particularly drawn to that period when everyone played using strapped leather knee pads. Having spent countless hours in Woollen Gym I felt a tinge of guilt for not knowing about Charles Thomas Woollen and how much he meant to the University. I’ve learned that he was the embodiment of the North Carolina motto, TO BE, RATHER THAN TO SEEM. Sad that this landmark building seems to have been forgotten and apparently underused by the student body. Woollen was the home court of our 1957 Championship team. Seating was removed after games in order for students to participate in intramural sports and other Varsity sports activities including wrestling and gymnastics.
Other moments of reflection from that time frame include Ben Carnevale and the important role he played in the life and career of Coach Frank McGuire. Also, unearthing the fact that Bronx born Bobby Gersten who played during the war years went on to scout for Coach McGuire recruiting  Jerry Vayda and Larry Brown. These are among the many gems appearing throughout this wonderful journey of TAR HEEL basketball. Should be compulsory reading for every player who puts on a basketball uniform representing UNC." THANKS, BOB YOUNG, 1957 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM.

Larry Brown - UNC 1960-1963

Larry Brown is a  Tar Heel legend. After playing for the Tar Heels from 1960-1963 he became a Hall of Fame College and NBA coach. Coach Brown wrote the Forward for the book. He, Phil Ford, Dave Chadwick and Dave Hanners each had a chance to review an advance copy of The Tar Heel Book. Here are their comments: 

"I'm very happy to be a part of The Tar Heel book by Ron Smith.  Everything I know about basketball I learned from Coach McGuire and Coach Smith.  Because of their influence and guidance I was able to spend a lifetime coaching and teaching.  And Roy is carrying on that tradition.  I'm pleased to be a part of the Carolina family and The Tar Heel book is the best way I know to see how it all happened."

 

Dave Chadwick - UNC 1968-1971

"I’ve known Ron for over 40 years and his memory for Carolina basketball is amazing. I remember one of our first conversations. We talked about my senior year, the South Carolina games, the NIT championship. I think he remembered just about every game from that season. And that’s what the book is about: Great memories of Carolina basketball.  I'm so grateful for all of Ron's hard work to walk us through a memory lane of UNC basketball.  It's a trip many of us look forward to taking."  

Dave Hanners - UNC 1972-1976

"As a former player and coach at UNC  I know a lot about Carolina basketball.  But this book has things in it that I never knew before.  If you think you have all the books ever written about basketball at UNC your collection isn’t complete without this one."

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Along with these great Tar Heel's, notable  UNC Alum and Cincinnati Reds HOF announcer, Marty Brennaman and North Carolina sports writers. Art Chansky and Ron Green, Jr., made the following comments after reviewing the book...

Marty Brennaman - UNC Class of 1965

"Over the years, there have been many books written about North Carolina basketball. None, however, equal the Tar Heels, a seven-volume history of UNC basketball by Ron Smith. Volume Two, the early years of the Dean Smith Era, will knock your socks off !"

 Art Chansky - UNC Class of 1970

Near-lifetime Tar Heels aficionado fan Ron Smith has completed the first of his trilogy on UNC basketball, a labor of love for him and a gift to Carolina fans everywhere. This is well beyond the definitive series on a storied basketball program, it is a deeper dive than anything -- and there have been millions of words -- written on the subject. It is a treasure trove of games and players that come alive, including color photos of the sacred 1957 season, which is covered in part by the play-by-play of the radio broadcast that ends with the legendary call from Bill Jackson, "We Win!" This book wins, as will the next two editions, and is a must for any fan who gives a damn about Carolina!