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University of the Pacific hires ex-Carleton basketball coach Dave Smart as head coach

Mar 27, 2024 | 1:45 PM

STOCKTON, Calif. — Dave Smart, a 10-time U Sports coach of the year winner, is getting a head coaching gig in the United States.

The longtime leader of the Carleton University men’s basketball program has been hired by the University of the Pacific Tigers as head coach of the men’s NCAA Division I team.

The 58-year-old left Carleton last year to join the NCAA’s Texas Tech as an assistant coach.

The Red Raiders went 23-11 this season and earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament, but fell to No. 11 NC State in the first round last Thursday.

Smart is widely regarded as the most successful basketball coach in Canadian university history.

During his 18 seasons at Carleton, Smart led the Ravens to 11 OUA championships — the most by any coach in conference history — 13 U Sports Final 8 national championship titles and an impressive 591-48 record against U Sports competition.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2024.

The Canadian Press

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