Smith’s Move Won’t Halt Nike

Nike says it signed a five-year, $7.1 million contract with the University of North Caroli na in July because of the school’s tradition of academic and sports excellence not because of Dean Smith.

A spokeswoman for the Beaverton, Ore., shoe company said Smith’s retirement Thursday as men’s basketball coach after 36 years would not affect the contract.

“While we know he’ll be missed, he’s built a great legacy that will carry on,” said Vizhier Corpuz, Nike’s chief spokeswoman for basketball.