#SHAKAWATCH IS OVER: Smart leaves the Rams
Following a week of rumors that VCU basketball Head Coach Shaka Smart will be leaving for University of Texas, VCU Athletics confirmed Friday that he will be accepting the offer and coach the Longhorns.
Austin Walker
Staff Writer
Following a week of rumors that VCU basketball Head Coach Shaka Smart will be leaving for University of Texas, VCU Athletics confirmed Friday that he will be accepting the offer and coach the Longhorns.
Long-time fans of the team are distraught at Smart’s decision.
I have dreaded this day for the last 5 years. #ShakaSmart
— Chad Brown (@staychad) April 3, 2015
The reactions are mixed, with many people seeing it as a predictable outcome as the University of Texas allegedly offered double the salary of what VCU currently employed Smart under.
Grand Slam by Texas getting Shaka Smart. No brainer. — Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 3, 2015
Earlier today, Smart had a meeting with UT officials to discuss potential employment.
Around 8 p.m., tweets began circulating reporting Smart going into a meeting with his players that lasted about 15 minutes.
#ShakaSmart: You broke a lot of hearts today. Somehow I expect more from a Midwesterner and a #Cubs fan.
— Mary Ann Owens (@mao2u2) April 3, 2015
At VCU Shaka Smart established not only a formidable team but also a formidable brand. Important to consider in the coaching search. #HAVOC
— Jon Newman (@jonnew) April 3, 2015
University of Texas fans are already posting about how excited they are about Smart’s new coaching position at the school.
Glad to hear @coachsmartvcu will be heading to Texas. I’m ecstatic to see #Havoc done Texas style. #HookEm
— The Notorious K.E.V. (@PEACUVMIND) April 3, 2015
VCU fans held a rally in support of Shaka Smart earlier today as the rumors continued to circulate. The VCU RAM NATION Facebook group spread the word of the rally in order to garner support.