When Hubert Davis assumed leadership of the UNC basketball program two and a half years ago, one of his initial actions was to part ways with Steve Robinson, a longstanding assistant coach under Roy Williams. This move carried significant symbolism; it signified Davis’s autonomy in steering the program’s direction, dispelling speculation that Williams would continue to exert influence post-retirement. Additionally, it marked the beginning of a trend where Davis sought to exclusively hire individuals with ties to the University of North Carolina, shunning “outsiders.”
This decision stirred controversy, as Robinson’s tenure spanned decades and he had played a pivotal role in recruiting and mentoring top talent. Despite not being a UNC alum, Robinson’s deep involvement in the program raised questions about the rigid adherence to the “Carolina Family” principle. While his exclusion may have been a deal-breaker for Davis due to this criterion, it’s arguable whether it should have been. Robinson’s wealth of experience and expertise could have greatly benefited a first-time head coach like Davis.
The landscape of college basketball has evolved, with players increasingly focused on expedited paths to the NBA rather than longstanding allegiances to programs. In this context, the traditional concept of the “Carolina Family” may hold less sway over recruits. Moreover, the transient nature of players, exacerbated by the transfer portal and one-and-done culture, challenges the notion of building enduring relationships within programs.
While the decision to let Robinson go may have aligned with Davis’s vision of a strictly “Carolina” staff, it raises questions about the relevance of such criteria in modern collegiate athletics. Robinson’s exclusion, despite his extensive contributions and parallels to Dean Smith’s own non-UNC background, underscores the complexity of balancing tradition with practical considerations in coaching hires.
Ultimately, whether Hubert Davis should have retained Robinson despite his lack of ties to the “Carolina Family” is subjective. While honoring tradition is important, it’s equally crucial to recognize the value of experience and expertise, especially in a dynamic and competitive field like college basketball coaching.
