Tag: Nolan Smith

TSU Rewards Nolan Smith With Extension After NCAA Tournament Breakthrough

Brandon King

In just his first season at the helm, Nolan Smith has already etched his name into the modern history of Tennessee State Tigers basketball. Smith kicked the proverbial doors down in Nashville, leading the Tigers to a 23–10 overall record and a 15–5 mark in Ohio Valley Conference play. TSU captured both the regular season and conference tournament championships, earning its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994—ending a three-decade drought in emphatic fashion. On the heels of that historic campaign, Tennessee State has rewarded Smith with a contract extension that…

Read More

Nolan Smith Named BOXTOROW HBCU Coach of the Year

Brandon King

In a season defined by dominance and historic milestones, Nolan Smith has been named the BOXTOROW HBCU Coach of the Year after a remarkable debut campaign at Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball. Taking over the program for the first time, Smith orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent HBCU basketball history. He led the Tigers to both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament championships — a feat the program had not accomplished since 1994. Tennessee State finished 15-5 in conference play, marking the highest OVC win…

Read More

Tennessee State Is Back: Aaron Nkrumah Wins OVC Player of the Year, Nolan Smith Named Co-Coach of the Year

Brandon King

Tennessee State basketball isn’t just improving — it’s ascending. On the heels of one of the most successful seasons in program history, Aaron Nkrumah has been named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, while head coach Nolan Smith earned OVC Co-Coach of the Year honors. And for the Tigers, this feels like something bigger than awards. Nkrumah’s Breakout Year The Worcester, Massachusetts native was the engine behind Tennessee State’s surge to the top of the OVC standings. Nkrumah averaged 17.7 points per game — leading the Tigers and finishing…

Read More

Nolan Smith named Tennessee State head coach men’s basketball coach

Brandon King

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…

Read More

Tennessee State Finalizing Deal to Name Nolan Smith Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Brandon King

According to college basketball insider and CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Tennessee State is working on finalizing a deal with University of Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith for its vacant men’s basketball position following the departure of Brian “Penny” Collins for a coaching job with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the sides are working towards an agreement, nothing has been finalized yet, adds Rothstein.  Following a decorated collegiate career at Duke that included helping the Blue Devils take home the 2010 national championship, earning the Most Outstanding Player at the Houston Regional…

Read More