Michael Jordan calls Smith ‘second father’

Michael Jordan called North Carolina coaching great Dean Smith the most influential person in his life other than his parents.

Smith died Saturday night at 83.

In a statement on Twitter released through his business manager, Jordan said Smith was “more than a coach – he was a mentor, my teacher, my second father.

“In teaching me the game of basketball, he taught me about life,” the former North Carolina All-American and current Charlotte Hornets owner said.

Through the years, Jordan’s respect for Smith grew, and he would often lean on his beloved college coach for advice and guidance.

“Coach was always there for me whenever I needed him and I loved him for it,” Jordan said in the statement.

Associated Press