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REPORT: Shaka Smart to Texas

On3 imageby: Justin Wells04/02/15
Shaka Smart
Shaka Smart. (courtesy of VCU)
Shaka Smart. (courtesy of VCU)

Shaka Smart. (courtesy of VCU)

Multiple reports say VCU head basketball coach Shaka Smart could be named the new Men’s basketball coach at Texas. The announcement could come Thursday or Friday.

It’s reported Texas AD Steve Patterson is en route to Richmond, Virginia to meet up with Smart and bring him back to Austin, per AAS’ Brian Davis.

Here’s an excerpt from Tim Preston’s top candidates post:

A year ago, Smart was everybody’s favorite name as a possible replacement for Barnes. Perhaps, if the national pundits who have been covering Barnes’ departure are correct, he will be again.

Strengths:

• One of the youngest coaches in D1 (37 years old)

• Spent time with Billy Donovan as an assistant and has recruited to high major programs

• Plays an uptempo, fun style which would strongly utilize some of the systematic realities of the Houston area

• Charismatic leader whose players love him

• Teams have averaged 73.3 points per game since his arrival at VCU

• Is a big name who could possibly galvanize the Texas fan base in preparation for the opening of a new arena

Weaknesses:

• Teams haven’t reached the second weekend of the tournament since their magical run in 2011

• Has lost two years in a row in the opening round as the higher seed

• Plays a very unique style that may not attract “NBA type” talent considering it’s essential difference to pro-style offenses

My Take:
With the understanding that he’s said no to every suitor over the last three years as he’s stayed true to his commitment to VCU, Smart remains an exciting candidate as a head coach at Texas.

Personality wise, some of the realities of Smart (African-American, educated, excellent with fans/recruits, media darling) make him a slam dunk for the job.

Doubts remain, however, about how much Smart is simply riding the coattails of the Final Four run and whether his coaching style is as high-level as his profile suggests.

I don’t expect him to be the first choice of a guy like Patterson as his system is about as non-NBA as it gets, but should he end up getting the position, Smart could be the highest upside candidate of the bunch.

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