STOCKTON, Calif. – In a significant move aimed at revitalizing its men's basketball program, the University of the Pacific has appointed Dave Smart, a seasoned coach with a remarkable track record in Canadian college basketball, as its new head coach. The announcement came from Adam Tschuor, the Athletic Director, marking a new chapter for the team following the departure of Leonard Perry.
Dave Smart, who transitioned to Pacific after a recent stint as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, brings a wealth of experience and success to the role. During his time at Texas Tech, the team boasted a 23-11 record and secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing Smart’s ability to contribute significantly to a team's success.
However, it’s his tenure at Carleton University in Canada that stands out, with an impressive tally of 656 wins over 18 seasons. Under Smart's leadership, Carleton University became a powerhouse in Canadian college basketball, a testament to his coaching prowess and strategic acumen.
Pacific’s decision to bring in Smart comes after a challenging season that saw the team struggling with a 6-26 record, including losses in all 16 conference games. The hiring is seen as a pivotal step towards rebuilding and steering the team to new heights, leveraging Smart’s extensive experience and winning mentality.
The Pacific community and fans are optimistic about the future of their men's basketball program under Smart’s guidance. His track record of transforming teams and leading them to success promises an exciting era for Pacific basketball, with hopes of returning to competitive form in the upcoming seasons.
As the Pacific Tigers prepare for the transition, all eyes will be on Smart to lead the resurgence of a team eager to leave its recent struggles behind and embark on a journey back to prominence in college basketball.
