MILWAUKEE — It’s official: Shaka Smart is leaving his Longhorns in Texas and returning home to lead the Golden Eagles. Smart took the court in Milwaukee for the first time today, as Marquette University’s president and athletic director officially announced the Oregon native as their 18th head coach.
“It starts with family,” Smart said, as he took the podium inside the Al McGuire Center Monday afternoon. “My mom, Monica, lives about an hour away from here.”
90 miles to be exact.
Smart grew up in Oregon, and first received attention in the world of sports as Oregon High School’s standout point guard in the ’90s. He went on to play college hoops at Kenyon College before embarking on a coaching career that crisscrossed the country.
Smart was thrust into the national spotlight as VCU’s head coach in 2011, when he lead the underdog Rams to a surprise Final Four appearance. He spent the last six seasons with the Texas Longhorns, and although his teams had a winning record, they struggled in the Big 12 and failed to win a single NCAA Tournament game.
Today, Smart officially traded in his burnt orange for blue and gold, as Marquette President Dr. Michael Lovell praised him for his talent, values, and conduct, both on and off the court.
“He is a man of tremendous character and someone who cares deeply about personal relationships,” said Dr. Lovell, president of Marquette.
“He’s a great fit for our basketball program, and an even better fit for our university,” Bill Scholl, Director of Athletics, agreed.
Smart also made sure to thank his high school basketball coach, Kevin Bavery, who now coaches at Middleton.
“He taught me about coaching even when I was still playing,” Smart said. “He was one of many, many coaches that spent the time building a great relationship with me.”
Smart replaces Steve Wojciechowski at Marquette, who went 128 and 95 over his 7 seasons with the Golden Eagles.
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