Tennessee State College has introduced Nolan Smith as the brand new head coach of its males’s basketball group, bringing in a former NBA participant, nationwide champion at Duke College, and one of the crucial revered younger minds in school basketball to the Nashville HBCU.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be named head coach at TSU,” Smith stated. “I’m able to pour my coronary heart into our gamers each single day as we chase victories and characterize each the college and the state with satisfaction. I’m constructed for this — and TSU is constructed to win. Let’s go Tigers!”
Teaching Expertise at Memphis, Louisville, and Duke
Smith involves TSU after one season as an assistant coach on the College of Memphis below Penny Hardaway. At Memphis, he performed a key position in recruiting and participant improvement. He helped information a younger group by a troublesome schedule and a aggressive convention.
Earlier than that, Smith spent two years on the College of Louisville. He targeted on mentoring guards and shaping the roster. His teaching basis was constructed at Duke, the place he served on employees for six years.
At Duke, Smith held a number of roles. He started as a particular assistant, then grew to become director of basketball operations, and later an assistant coach. Throughout his time there, Duke reached the NCAA Match a number of occasions. That included a Ultimate 4 run in 2022. He additionally helped develop 25 future NBA gamers.
Management Endorsed by Friends and Mentors
TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen praised Smith’s management qualities.
“Nolan Smith is a championship-caliber chief with elite enjoying expertise, excessive basketball IQ, and a confirmed monitor file of growing NBA expertise,” stated Allen. “He brings sturdy recruiting connections and a player-first mindset. He additionally connects deeply with at the moment’s student-athletes. Nolan will lead with integrity and make an impression each on the court docket and in the neighborhood.”
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway additionally voiced sturdy help.
“If anybody is deserving of this place, it’s Nolan,” stated Hardaway. “He’s ready and prepared. His time at Memphis was brief however significant. I’m assured he’ll make a big effect at TSU.”
Corridor of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Smith at Duke, shared his pleasure.
“I’m so pleased for Nolan and his lovely household,” stated Krzyzewski. “He was a pleasure to educate. Our followers referred to as him ‘The Individuals’s Champ.’ He was additionally a wonderful assistant coach. Now, he’s able to be an important head coach at Tennessee State.”
Profitable Taking part in Profession at Duke, NBA Draft Decide
As a participant, Smith starred at Duke from 2007 to 2011. He helped the Blue Devils win the NCAA championship in 2010. That 12 months, he earned All-Ultimate 4 honors and was named the South Regional Most Excellent Participant.
In his senior season, Smith averaged 20.6 factors per sport and led the ACC in scoring. He was named ACC Participant of the 12 months, ACC Match MVP, and a consensus First-Group All-American. He completed his school profession with 1,911 factors, rating seventeenth in Duke historical past.
Smith was drafted twenty first general by the Portland Path Blazers within the 2011 NBA Draft. He performed two seasons within the NBA, adopted by time within the G League and abroad. His worldwide profession included stops in Croatia and Turkey.
Dedication to Neighborhood and Advocacy
Off the court docket, Smith is lively in the neighborhood. He serves on the board of “The Brotherhood,” a nonprofit primarily based in Durham, North Carolina. The group focuses on mentorship and training for younger males of coloration.
Smith can also be a nationwide voice for psychological well being consciousness and racial fairness in school athletics. He advocates for student-athlete rights and private development past sports activities.
He’s the son of the late Derek Smith, a former NBA participant and coach. Smith and his spouse, Cheyna, have three youngsters: Camryn, Derek “Deuce,” and Kai.
TSU’s Robust Basis for 2025 Season
Tennessee State is coming off a 17–16 file within the 2024–25 season. The Tigers went 12–8 in Ohio Valley Convention play, ending third within the standings. TSU ranked among the many convention leaders in rebounding and returns a stable core of gamers.
Key returners embrace guards Aaron Nkrumah and Travis Harper II, together with ahead Carlous Williams.
Introduction Set for July 21
TSU will introduce Nolan Smith at a press convention on Monday, July 21, at 11 a.m. CT. The occasion will happen within the Tiger Den inside Hankal Corridor on the Tennessee State College campus..
