Marcus Smart shared on the Run Your Race podcast that he was set to commit to North Carolina in 2012, but a last-minute trip to Oklahoma State changed his mind just two days before a home visit with Roy Williams.
Theo Pinson, hearing this, quickly told Smart that he “messed up” by not joining the Tar Heels, suggesting they could have won a championship together.
Smart and his longtime teammate, Phil Forte, had originally planned to attend different schools, but Forte persuaded Smart to visit Oklahoma State.
During the visit, Smart was struck by the coaching staff’s laid-back attitude, knowing he was likely to commit to North Carolina. Ultimately, Forte’s commitment influenced Smart, leading him to choose Oklahoma State as well.
Smart, ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 2 point guard in 2012, found success at Oklahoma State, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year honors before being drafted No. 6 overall in 2014.
Despite Smart’s decision, North Carolina still thrived, landing Marcus Paige and making Sweet 16 appearances in the following seasons.
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