Dean Smith requested $200 be sent to each of his former players in will

The late Dean Smith, who died last month, willed his trust to send $200 to each of his former North Carolina basketball players.
Dean Smith requested $200 be sent to each of his former players in will
Dean Smith requested $200 be sent to each of his former players in will /

Dean Smith letter former players
Twitter/ChestPassDemps

Late North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith, who died last month, willed his trust to send $200 to each player who lettered under him, Tim Breedlove, who wrote the letter, confirmed to SI.com.

Smith died at 83 on Feb. 7 at his North Carolina home. He coached for 36 years at UNC, winning 879 games and two NCAA championships.

Dean Smith deserves praise for more than just his on-court contributions

In the letter Smith's former players received from Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PA, it was revealed that Smith requested each of his former players be sent a $200 check with the message, "enjoy a dinner out compliments of Coach Dean Smith." The enclosed checks also included the notation, "Dinner out."

By SI's count, Smith coached 184 players from 1961 to 1997.

The Longest Goodbye: Friends, family mourned Smith before his death

GALLERY: SI'S BEST PHOTOS OF DEAN SMITH

Dean Smith

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Heinz Kluetmeier
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Rich Clarkson
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Lane Stewart
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Heinz Kluetmeier
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Manny Millan
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Brian Lanker
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Manny Millan
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Heinz Kluetmeier
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Manny Millan
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Bob Donnan
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Brian Lanker
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Manny Millan
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Bob Donnan
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Heinz Kluetmeier
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Jeffrey A. Camarati
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Brian Lanker
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Heinz Kluetmeier
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Manny Millan
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Manny Millan
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Manny Millan
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Bill Frakes
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Brian Lanker

1997

1997
Brian Lanker

Dean Smith

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Rich Clarkson
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Rich Clarkson
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Manny Millan

(H/t @ChestPassDemps)

Mike Fiammetta


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