Simply Put, Shaka Loves It At VCU

[VRam]

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/sports/co ... ar-950242/

 

[vcubanana]

Smart said the biggest factors in his decision were "No. 1, our current and incoming players; No. 2, the terrific belief shown in our coaching staff by [VCU President Michael] Rao and Norwood Teague; No. 3, the fans that have been unquestionably loyal over the past two years."

Smart told The Times-Dispatch early during the NCAA tournament that he still had some things to accomplish at VCU and wanted to coach his recruits through a four-year career. That's something he hadn't been able to do while frequently changing jobs as an assistant coach.

"I view my job through the lens of developing our student-athletes as people and as players," he said. "The development process is far from complete."

Unreal his views on his role in these young men's lives.

 

[Ramz22]

Smart said the biggest factors in his decision were "No. 1, our current and incoming players; No. 2, the terrific belief shown in our coaching staff by [VCU President Michael] Rao and Norwood Teague; No. 3, the fans that have been unquestionably loyal over the past two years."

Smart told The Times-Dispatch early during the NCAA tournament that he still had some things to accomplish at VCU and wanted to coach his recruits through a four-year career. That's something he hadn't been able to do while frequently changing jobs as an assistant coach.

"I view my job through the lens of developing our student-athletes as people and as players," he said. "The development process is far from complete."

Unreal his views on his role in these young men's lives.

I just give him credit to not leave the kids he recruited. I mean with 4 guys gone(not his recruits tech) he wants to make a name with his guy and his game plan.

 

[VCU2011]

Its wonderful to see a coach like Shaka Smart take the development of his players as people and as student athletes so importantly. too many other coaches are worried about chasing money at other schools. So glad that he is our coach!

 

[RamboRowdy]

Wouldn't he have to stay forever to keep coaching his recruits through four careers? I mean since they will all be his recruits from here on out.

 

[districtballer]

Wouldn't he have to stay forever to keep coaching his recruits through four careers? I mean since they will all be his recruits from here on out.

He said he hasn't had the chance to coach his recruits through a 4 year career. I would assume that means once he's had the chance to do that (ie. coach one of his recruits for 4 years) he'll have fulfilled that goal. [/JohnMadden]

 

[VRam]

Wouldn't he have to stay forever to keep coaching his recruits through four careers? I mean since they will all be his recruits from here on out.

He said he hasn't had the chance to coach his recruits through a 4 year career. I would assume that means once he's had the chance to do that (ie. coach one of his recruits for 4 years) he'll have fulfilled that goal. [/JohnMadden]

No, I'm pretty sure it means he's staying forever.

 

[VCU Finance 2008]

Wouldn't he have to stay forever to keep coaching his recruits through four careers? I mean since they will all be his recruits from here on out.

I do feel for coaches for that reason. If he ever leaves he is going to be leaving someone behind, and that is tough if you have a real connection with your guys. Hopefully he will just stay forever though.

 

[vcubanana]

Wouldn't he have to stay forever to keep coaching his recruits through four careers? I mean since they will all be his recruits from here on out.

I do feel for coaches for that reason. If he ever leaves he is going to be leaving someone behind, and that is tough if you have a real connection with your guys. Hopefully he will just stay forever though.

Haha I'd agree, he an stay forever if this success continues. But everyone involved knows it's just part of the business.

 

[RAMified]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6297427

But he also said that in his business, "it's hard to ever sit back and say 'never say never' because then you get called a liar."

I respect that statement. It's nice of him to say that he's happy where he currently is, but would listen to what Miami has to say. I'm getting sick of coaches making all these promises like Grant saying he was going to turn VCU into the "Gonzaga of the East" and then jumping ship. That's why I really respect that Shaka has been a man of his word. Coaches should be upfront with the public. It might not be what your current employer wants to hear, but they will find out when you take the other job and chances are that it will get back to them that you've been talking to other schools even if you don't take the job so just be up front. Unless you are Coach K at Duke, there is usually a better job out there. Even then, there's always the NBA.