Who is Shaka Smart to Texas Basketball?

For the first time in nearly two decades are we seeing a change in coaching personnel on the sidelines of the University of Texas men’s basketball program. After 17 years of leading the Longhorns to 16 NCAA tournament appearance, a Final Four appearance in 2003, and their first number one ranking in school history in 2010, Rick Barnes was let go this past off season in hopes of rejuvenating the winning culture at Texas. His replacement, many believe, is the perfect substitute to do so. Mar 19, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams head coach Shaka Smart instructs against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports In comes Shaka Smart, who’s head coaching experience consists of his six year tenure at VCU (2009-15),  leading the charge of the Longhorns journey back to the national prominence. Smart has had significant success coaching Division 1 basketball at VCU whose program, if we are being honest, is not anywhere near the status of a program like the Longhorns. Be that as it may, Smart was able to take the VCU Cinderella team of 2011, who received one of the last 4 bids to join the national tournament, to the first Final Four (as well as the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight) appearance in school history. Something the Longhorns haven’t experienced since 2003. So, what makes Shaka Smart so desirable in eyes of Longhorn fans and critics? For starters, Longhorn fans (presumably speaking for all) want to see more success from the program that has recruited the likes of a Kevin Durant, Lamacus Aldridge, D. J. Augustin, and T.J Ford.  Since their deepest run in the tournament under former coach Rick Barnes in 2003, which led them to a Final Four spot, the Longhorns have yet to reach that mark again. The closest they came to tying that run came in the 2005-06 and 2007-08 season when both times they were eliminated in the Elite Eight. Perhaps we as Longhorn fans have been fooled into thinking Barnes was an above average coach who could bring home some national titles…

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