An NC State student's touching column entitled "A Prayer for Dean Smith" has gone viral, and won praises from Smith fans.

NC State junior Rob McLamb shared his admiration for the Hall of Fame coach, expressing his hopes that Smith not only receives love from Tar Heels fans but supporters of their Tobacco Road rivals too.

Smith, 81, has made fewer and fewer public appearances over the past few years as a result of a fading memory that comes and goes at random. On good days it's still razor sharp but on the bad days it prevents him from recalling the names of even longtime friends.

Here's an excerpt from McLamb's article:

When Smith is having one of his better moments, it would be wonderful if he could just feel a warm breeze of love - the type of feeling people get when they look into the eyes of someone they care for unconditionally and see the exact same expression staring back. It would be an appropriate way to show gratitude for someone who gave so much to others.

Let the warm regard from each person who has had his or her life improved by Smith be combined to form a sustained feeling.

Let that feeling gain momentum all over the Triangle and the state. Let it be created right here, right now in Wake County and pick up steam as it reaches the gothic buildings in western Durham that represent a different shade of blue.

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