College basketball coach Shaka Smart serves as the head coach of the VCU Rams men's basketball team in the NCAA.
He was reportedly hired as the head coach of the Rams on March 31, 2009, replacing Anthony Grant.SI.com: VCU Hires Smart as New Coach
Coaching Career
Smart got his coaching start while attending California University of Pennsylvania, serving as an assistant basketball coach while he pursued his master's degree. In 2001, he took a position at the University of Dayton as the director of basketball operations. In 2003 the Dayton Flyers won the Atlantic 10 Championship and played in the NCAA Tournament.Clemson Tigers: Shaka Smart
In 2003, Smart took over as the associate head coach of the Akron Zips men's basketball team. He led the team to a 25-11 record during his first two seasons, including a 14-4 record in the MAC, the highest conference record ever. Smart accepted an assistant coaching position with the Clemson Tigers in 2006.Clemson Tigers: Shaka Smart He served as the Tigers assistant coach and recruiting coordinator until 2008, when he signed on to become an assistant coach for the Florida Gators.Florida Gators: UF Men's Hoops Adds Shaka Smart As Assistant Coach
References
Fast Facts
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Named after Southern African king ShakaThe Gainsville Sun: Q&A with Shaka Smart
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Graduated from Kenyon College in 1999 Magna cum laude with a history degreeClemson Tigers: Shaka Smart
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Earned his master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania in social sciencesClemson Tigers: Shaka Smart
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Played basketball at Keynon College, earning All-NCAC honorsClemson Tigers: Shaka Smart
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Holds the Keynon College records for assists in a season and in a careerClemson Tigers: Shaka Smart
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Received a post-graduate scholarship after his All-USA Academic selection by the USA TodayClemson Tigers: Shaka Smart
