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'Ish' Smith points to superior coaching for Deacs' big win over Heels

By Adam Harris

Jan 13, 2009

Raleigh, N.C. — The day after North Carolina dropped to 0-2 in the ACC, many Tar Heels fans were looking for answers as to exactly how UNC lost to Wake Forest. Ishmael Smith believes coaching played a big part.

"We have the best coaches in America, I believe," Smith said of Dino Gaudio and the Demon Deacons staff. "They had us prepared for all of their calls."

The guard was a guest of The Insiders on Monday on 99.9 FM The Fan. He credited his coaches for the upset win over the Tar Heels on Sunday.

"I remember an out-of-bounds play. We switched all of our picks. They called a time out, called some play to get it in, then had to call another time out," the junior guard added.

"We really prepared well for it. We know how good they are. You have to pay attention to details."

Wake Forest jumped to the No. 2 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 after the win. The Demon Deacons are now 14-0, 1-0 in the ACC. The speculation of a potential unbeaten season isn't something Smith wanted to discuss, however.

The Deacs need to go "game by game. We know we have Boston College next, who beat Carolina. We've never beaten Boston College since they've been in the ACC," said Smith. 

"So, we have that over our heads and a chip on our shoulder going into Boston. We don't look at trying to go undefeated. We're just kind of taking it game by game."

Among other topics, Smith also noted how Wake Forest watched game film of North Carolina's loss to Kansas in last season's Final Four. 

You can listen to the entire "Ish" Smith interview with The Insiders.