A National Champion’s “Why Not?”

As a high school senior at Holy Trinity, Coach Dean Smith saw something in me and offered a scholarship to UNC. Some people questioned if I was good enough to play at that level—but I thought, “Why not me?” I embraced the challenge, knowing I’d be joining a team full of future NBA stars. That “Why Not” attitude helped me earn a starting spot on the 1982 National Championship team alongside Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins and James Worthy. The decision to accept the challenge to play at UNC had a huge impact on the rest of my life.