Jay Bilas' statement regarding Coach K's surpassing Coach Smith's Division I victory record follows; I believe it is especially significant, because it emphasizes Coach K's substantial successes as a mentor, teacher and leader of men -- roles that actually are far more important than peerlessly successful coaching alone -- and it is written by an individual who has obviously worked closely with Coach K as a player, as an assistant, and as a multi-talented professional.
"Congratulations on becoming the winningest basketball coach in ACC history! You’re a giant figure in the game, but more importantly, you have been a transformative figure in the lives of your players. You have been coach, leader, mentor and friend to all of us, and it has not just been a four-year relationship. It has been a lifelong relationship. It has been 25 years since I played for you, but there is not a day that goes by that I don’t rely upon what you taught me. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for you and how proud I am of you. Congratulations. You are the best."