Wisconsin native Shaka Smart has been named the 18th head coach of the Marquette University men’s basketball program on Friday. The university will officially Smart during a news conference on Monday.
In 12 seasons as a head coach at Virginia Commonwealth (2009-15) and Texas (2015-21), Smart guided the two programs to a total of eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Those trips were highlighted by a run to VCU’s first Final Four appearance in 2011.
The 43-year-old Smart owns an overall record of 272-142 (.657) and seven of his first 10 teams played in the NCAA tournament. He posted a record of 163-56 (.744) at VCU and five trips to the NCAA. While at Texas, the Longhorns were 109-86 (.559) and made NCAA appearances in 2016, 2018 and 2021. Texas also claimed the National Invitation Tournament title in 2019.