The Last Dance: 6 Things we learned from episodes 1 & 2

The Last Dance Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images

6. Roy Williams coached MJ

Michael (or should I say “Mike”, pre-Georgetown) Jordan’s tenure at the University of North Carolina is entirely synonymous with the legendary Dean Smith.

And for good reason.

Smith was the backbone behind Jordan’s escalation into one of the country’s most athletic all-around guards, and into the cultural phenomenon that became known as Michael Jordan. Jordan himself is quick to shower Smith with full credit for his maturity into manhood, and for acting as the ultimate fatherly figure for him during his time in Chapel Hill.

Which is praise the humble Smith would likely deflect admonishment for. Yet for all he did in propelling Jordan to consecutive First-Team All-America honors and an eventual No. 3 overall pick with Chicago, Smith did not act alone in aiding Jordan towards the unveiling of his full potential.

We all know Roy Williams has coached for some time now. But picturing him on the sidelines of the Smith Center’s gymnasium brings about memories of players that have only recently donned the baby-blue digs: Harrison Barnes, Raymond Felton, Tyler Hansbrough.

And yet, Jordan was actually under the tutelage of the wide-eyed young assistant in the early 80’s. Williams was brought on to Smith’s staff in 1978 after high school coaching stints in the state, and wound up playing a tremendous role not only the program’s turnaround to a national powerhouse, but in their recruitment of Jordan.

Imagine being blessed with the services of a player like Jordan just a few years into your coaching tenure.

Williams undoubtedly played an integral role in Mike’s improvement on the national level, and one would like to think Jordan served a similar function in Williams’ own escalation to the top of the totem pole.

Greatness only breeds more of the same wherever it goes, and the pair are two of the best when it comes the game of basketball.