Stephen A.: Kenny Smith is UNC’s Next HC If…

Stephen A. Smith Drops Bombshell: Kenny Smith for UNC Head Coach?

The pressure is mounting on college basketball’s storied programs, and North Carolina is squarely in the spotlight. Following early exits from the NCAA tournament, questions are swirling about the current state of blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina. But according to Stephen A. Smith, the biggest concern lies with the Tar Heels.

North Carolina’s Relevancy Crisis?

Jay, a lifelong North Carolina fan, voiced his worries, suggesting that without the iconic UNC logo, the team might not even be considered a top contender. “Relevancy is currency,” Jay stated, pointing out that in the last five years since COVID, North Carolina hasn’t consistently been a top-five relevant team. This is a stark contrast to a program that has seen legends like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Jerry Stackhouse wear the Carolina blue. The last time UNC had a top-five NBA draft pick was back in 2005, though that’s set to change with Caleb Wilson entering the draft this year.

Jay then laid out his list of the top five most relevant college basketball brands since COVID:

• 1. UConn: Back-to-back national titles and the energetic coaching of Dan Hurley.
• 2. Duke: Consistently boasts top recruiting classes and has produced multiple national players of the year.
• 3. Kansas: Dominated the Big 12 for 13 straight years under Bill Self, the best conference in America.
• 4. Houston: Quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the Big 12, earning multiple No. 1 seeds.
• 5. Kentucky: Despite recent struggles, the Big Blue Nation’s massive social media presence and historical appeal keep them relevant.

Jay even argued that programs like Florida and Gonzaga might be more relevant than North Carolina in the current college basketball landscape. This is a bold statement considering UNC’s rich history.

Kentucky and Kansas Face Their Own Challenges

Stephen A. Smith acknowledged the struggles of Kentucky and Kansas. He attributed Kentucky’s underperformance largely to injuries, particularly the limited availability of key players like Jaden Quinerly and Aaron Bradshaw. “They gave him money knowing he was injured,” Smith remarked about Quinerly, highlighting the business aspect of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. He stressed that significant NIL investments must translate to on-court performance.

For Kansas, the concern is different. Despite Bill Self’s coaching, the Jayhawks have fallen short of the Sweet Sixteen for four consecutive years. Adding to the uncertainty are questions about Self’s own health and his future with the team. While he has expressed a desire to return, his health remains a significant factor.

Duke’s Dominance and UNC’s Recruiting Woes

The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina is legendary, and the current state of Duke under Jon Scheyer is drawing significant attention. Scheyer has managed to succeed Mike Krzyzewski, consistently bringing in top recruiting classes, including the expected fourth No. 1 class in five years. “The fact that it’s Duke or nothing,” Smith lamented, referring to how elite recruits often choose Duke over UNC. This recruiting gap is seen as a major issue for North Carolina’s current coach, Hubert Davis.

While some believe Hubert Davis should stay because of incoming talent like Caleb Wilson and a highly touted recruit named Mingo, Smith believes recruiting against Duke is the most critical factor for any UNC head coach. “You got to be able to recruit against Duke,” he emphasized.

Stephen A.’s Bold Prediction: Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith for UNC?

This is where Stephen A. Smith dropped his bombshell. He believes that if Hubert Davis were to be let go, Kenny “The Jet” Smith should be the next head coach at North Carolina. “I believe that if Hubert Davis were to be gone, it should be for one reason above all else that Kenny the Jet Smith is named the new head coach for the North Carolina Tar Hills,” Smith declared. He cited Smith’s deep connections within the basketball community, his knowledge of the game, and his roots in North Carolina as reasons for his suitability.

Smith argued that Kenny Smith’s presence would immediately elevate UNC’s recruiting. “Kenny Smith walk into your living room, he could talk your son into coming to North Carolina. I’m tell you that right now.” He envisions a scenario where Smith at UNC would create an intense rivalry with Duke, drawing massive national attention.

Jay agreed on Kenny Smith’s potential but questioned whether North Carolina would look outside the “family” for a coach, citing Rashid Wallace’s past comments. He also raised the possibility of attracting top-tier coaches like Dan Hurley or Nate Oats, asking if the Tar Heels would consider them if they became available.

However, Smith remained firm. He believes that Kenny Smith’s ability to recruit would directly counter Duke’s current recruiting dominance. “There’s no way in my opinion that Shia… has the top recruiting class in four of his five years at Duke if Kenny Smith is at North Carolina,” Smith asserted. He concluded by stating that if Kenny Smith were the head coach, recruits would flock to Chapel Hill.

The discussion also touched on Dan Hurley’s situation, with the consensus being that he is unlikely to leave UConn, a program he has led to two national championships in five years, for any other job, including UNC or even the Lakers. The conversation highlights the intense scrutiny on programs like North Carolina and the potential for dramatic changes in the college basketball coaching landscape.

Source: Stephen A. BELIEVES Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith SHOULD BE the next HC of UNC if… 🤯 | First Take (YouTube)