The UNC basketball program hits the court for the first time in the 2022-23 season Friday night when they host Johnson C. Smith in an exhibition game in the Dean Dome. It will give fans the first look at the team as the excitement is high going into the year.
But Friday night will also be a celebration.
The program will host members of the 1997 and 1998 teams, both who reached the Final Four. They will celebrate the 25th anniversary, as numerous players will be in attendance for the exhibition game.
Despite not winning a title in that span, both teams are a key part of UNC basketball history. And it’s not just the players, either.
The 1997 team was the final season for legendary head coach Dean Smith as he passed Adolph Rupp on the all-time wins list. The following year was Bill Guthridge’s first year as the head coach.
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