Texas Basketball: Shaka Smart coaching departure looming?

Impact of him departing

A discussion that this team can’t overlook when determining what happens with Smart is the impact that stretches beyond the Frank Erwin Center and the hardwood in general. Texas basketball can’t afford to lose out on the talent that it has incoming from the 2019 recruiting class. What works out well for them is the fact that all three commits in the 2019 class are already signed.

The most important of the bunch is the five-star hometown center Will Baker, shortly followed by four-star shooting guard Donovan Williams and four-star forward Kai Jones. Since Texas doesn’t have a single 2020 or 2021 commit in store yet for those recruiting cycles, Smart’s departure shouldn’t hurt there too much.

In terms of losing current players on the roster, it’s always hard to tell where player’s loyalties will lie when their head coach departs the program. Pretty much every part of this roster should have close ties to Smart. But, the main focus of these players moving forward should also be the greater success for the program.

A few other notable areas where a Smart departure could impact this program includes the style of play and the use of the talent that would be coming back to the Forty Acres next season. Players like the young guard combo of freshman Courtney Ramey and sophomore Matt Coleman would have to dramatically adapt their game.