Social media reaction to Dean Smith's death

Published Feb. 8, 2015 9:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

The news of former North Carolina coach Dean Smith's death on Saturday night at the age of 83 spread quickly Sunday. Smith had health issues in recent years, with the family saying in 2010 he had a condition that was causing him to lose memory.

But Smith left a world of memories from those in the college basketball world. Here's a sampling of those weighing in on the great's passing.

Statement from Michael Jordan on the passing of Dean Smith pic.twitter.com/9h5FQyGQ9V
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) February 8, 2015

Prayers to Coach Smith's family first time I met him on a coaches trip treated me like gold didn't need to do that #RIP
— Mark Gottfried (@Mark_Gottfried) February 8, 2015

Statement from Coach K on the passing of Dean Smith pic.twitter.com/1yEXcwIiKF
— Bret Strelow (@bretstrelow) February 8, 2015

We lost the MICHAELANGELO of coaching DEAN SMITH RIP - read story about his fabulous career @ice_chip http://t.co/iw7Tfc2i4y
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 8, 2015

#RIP to one of the greatest teachers our beautiful game of basketball has ever seen #DeanSmith
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 8, 2015

There are so many things I could say about Coach Dean Smith but simply put, he is the greatest man I've ever known. pic.twitter.com/tWaE2LPYpK
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) February 8, 2015

Dean Smith surrounded by his family #RIP #TarheelNation #CarolinaFamily pic.twitter.com/I1095Imqgn
— J D Lyon (@TarHeel_Photo) February 8, 2015

RT @mviser: Full President Obama statement on Dean Smith, “a gentleman and a citizen.” pic.twitter.com/9HbLm5mlTE
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) February 8, 2015

President Barack Obama releases statement on the passing of Dean Smith. pic.twitter.com/pzuthLhonA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2015

THE BEST EVER! #RIP #TheCoachesCoach pic.twitter.com/vuexTOL239
— Jerry Stackhouse (@jerrystackhouse) February 8, 2015

"Coach Smith embodied the true definition of a coach as an educator, mentor, friend & leader." http://t.co/Gg1ZCaVue9 pic.twitter.com/O75FqRLIBP
— NCAA (@NCAA) February 8, 2015