Shaka Smart

Biography

Relationships. Growth. Victory. These themes serve as the foundation of the Marquette men’s basketball program under sixth-year head coach Shaka Smart and the concentrated focus on those areas has led the team to tremendous success, both on and off the court. Marquette participated in the NCAA tournament in four of his first five seasons with the Golden Eagles, including the program’s first trip to the Sweet 16 (2023-24) since 2012-13. Smart was named the 18th head coach at Marquette on March 26, 2021. In 17 seasons as a head coach at Virginia Commonwealth (2009-15), Texas (2015-21) and Marquette (2021-pres.), Smart has guided the three programs to a total of 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and 14 postseason selections overall. Those trips were highlighted by a run from the First Four to the Final Four by VCU in 2011. The 49-year-old Smart owns an overall record of 382-203 (.653) entering the 2026-27 campaign. He posted a record of 163-56 (.744) at VCU and made five trips to the NCAA. While at Texas, the Longhorns were 109-86 (.559) and made NCAA appearances in 2016, 2018 and 2021. Texas claimed the National Invitation Tournament title in 2019. During his career, Smart has coached a total of 10 NBA players, including two lottery picks and 11 overall draft selections. A group of 36 student-athletes has earned all-conference accolades (55 total selections) and 11 times a member of the program has claimed a league season-long specialty award (player of year, sixth man, top defens

Career Path