Dean Smith feels Tar Heels' pain.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Former North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith said Tuesday he "feels badly" for second-year coach Matt Doherty and his players as the Tar Heels struggle through what will be the losingest season in school history.

"It's something hard to go through," Smith said. "I'm very much supporting him and the team."

Smith, who retired in 1997 as college basketball's all-time winningest coach, said he talks regularly with Doherty about a variety of subjects, most often about basketball strategy.

Aware of criticism directed at Doherty this season, Smith came to his former player's defense.

"He's our coach. He was national coach of …