A statement from Horizon League Commissioner Jon LeCrone on the passing of Dean Smith:
“All of us in the Horizon League were saddened to hear of Coach Smith’s passing. College sports and college basketball has lost a phenomenal teacher, a role model, and an iconic leader who helped change sport and society.
“Those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of the ACC family during Coach Smith’s tenure were touched by his legacy on and off the court. Our sympathies go out to Coach Smith’s family and his extended families at the University of North Carolina and the ACC.”
Prior to joining the Horizon League on May 11, 1992, Commissioner Jon LeCrone spent nine years in the ACC office as an assistant commissioner. He also worked at Wake Forest University, his alma mater, four years before coming to the ACC.