BREAKING: Texas Hires Shaka Smart As Head Basketball Coach

The Texas Longhorns have hired VCU's Shaka Smart to be their next head basketball coach, according to multiple reports.

Texas athletic director Steve Patterson reportedly flew to Richmond to meet with Smart today to discuss the details of a deal, and Smart accepted shortly thereafter. They plan to hold an official announcement on Friday.

Smart took over as VCU's head coach in 2009, and led them to a 163–56 record in six seasons and five straight NCAA tournaments, including a berth in the 2011 Final Four. 

The Longhorns fired Rick Barnes on Sunday after 17 seasons, and had targeted Wichita State's Gregg Marshall as their top candidate to replace him. However, Marshall signed an extension with the Shockers, allowing Texas to turn to Smart.

Utah's Larry Krystkowiak and Xavier's Chris Mack also got interest from Texas.

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