Friday Tennessee State announced that the school named Nolan Smith its new men’s head basketball coach.
“Nolan Smith is a championship-caliber leader with elite playing experience, high basketball IQ, and a proven track record of developing NBA talent,” said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen.
“He brings top-tier recruiting connections, a player-first approach, and a deeply authentic bond with today’s student-athletes. Shaped by some of the game’s best, Nolan will lead our program with integrity and impact on the court and in the community. Our future is in great hands.
Coach Smith had spent the previous season as an assistant on Penny Hardaway’s staff at the University of Memphis. The Tigers went 29-6, their highest win tally since posting a 31-6 overall record in 2012-13, on the way to winning the AAC Conference Tournament and a 5-seed in the Big Dance.
Before heading to Memphis, Smith served as an assistant coach on Kenny Payne’s staff at the University of Louisville for two seasons, after being on staff at his alma mater Duke University for the previous six campaigns.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be named head coach at TSU,” Smith said. “First and foremost, I’m ready to give my heart and energy to our players every single day as we prepare to win and proudly represent the university and the state. I’m excited to immerse myself in the TSU and Nashville community and contribute far beyond the court. I’m built for this challenge — and TSU is built to win. So let’s win! Go Tigers!”
An introductory press conference for Coach Nolan Smith will be held Monday, July 22 at 11 am CT in the Tiger Den at Hankal Hall. The event will be livestreamed at the TSU Tigers YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/tnstatetigers.
