Bubba Smith
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Phone: 598-1298
Email:
rmsmith@sewanee.edu
Bubba Smith enters his second season as the head coach of the Sewanee Tigers. In just a short period of time, the changes that Smith has put in place have become the new standard of excellence for Sewanee Basketball. From how the team is outfitted, facility improvements, to how the team travels, every aspect of the Tiger program is being improved. Although many of these changes are critical to player retention and recruitment, the most valuable changes Smith has brought to the Mountain is the belief that Sewanee can compete with the best teams in the country. Even though the rebuilding process requires time and patience, Smith will not settle until the Tigers are consistently competing with the top teams in the SCAC and Division III. Recruitment of the highest caliber student-athletes with great character, talent, and undying work ethic is the key to the rebuilding process. This process is well under way with Smith’s first recruiting class to the mountain.
Smith’s first season with Sewanee saw the Tigers make steady improvements throughout the year. The 2008-2009 Tigers finished the season with a three game home winning streak over Oglethorpe, Birmingham-Southern, and rival Rhodes (Sewanee’s first win streak of three or more games and first SCAC weekend sweep since 2004-2005) and then taking #1 seeded Trinity University (ranked #6 nationally) to overtime in the first round of the SCAC tournament before losing on a heartbreaking buzzer-beater. Along with a strong finish to the season, Smith’s Tigers held their opponents to the lowest scoring average and the lowest rebounding rate since 2001-2002. Sewanee’s opposition shot the lowest percentage from the field since 2001 and the lowest from the three point line since 1999-2000. The Tigers own three point percentage was the highest since 2003-2004, and the five home victories were the most since 2005-2006. During the 2008-2009 season, Smith also notched his 100th career collegiate victory with a 57-52 victory over Birmingham-Southern on February 13, 2009. With the progress the Tigers are making and a talented group of newcomers, Smith is excited about the future of Sewanee basketball.
Smith came to Sewanee after spending eight years at perennial Division III power Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, the last five as the head coach. During his three years as an assistant, Smith helped current William and Mary Head Coach Tony Shaver lead the Tigers to 75 wins, two ODAC titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and an appearance in the 2003 NCAA Division III Final Four. As head coach at Hampden-Sydney, Smith continued the school’s tradition of excellence, leading the Tigers to a 94-46 (.671) record, including two ODAC championships and two berths in the NCAA Tournament. In Smith’s first season as a head coach, he became the only rookie coach to ever lead his team to a No. 1 national ranking, ODAC championship, and NCAA tournament appearance with a 25-5 record. Overall, Smith’s 94 wins are the most ever for a Hampden-Sydney basketball coach through his first five seasons.
A FEW WORDS FROM COACH SMITH
I am excited about the progress we are making in rebuilding the men’s basketball program. It is a great honor to be associated with such a prestigious university. From the moment our family stepped foot on the campus, we immediately felt like we were at home. There is no question that Sewanee is special, and I hope to build upon the success that has been a part of Sewanee’s past, as we look forward to growing the men’s basketball program. I’m passionate about attracting young men to Sewanee who have a commitment to excellence in their academic, athletic, social, and personal growth. I have been blessed over the last ten years as an assistant and head coach to lead young men who have made me a better person and coach. The successes our players have had off the court have been equally as impressive as their accomplishments on, and I envision the same for our student-athletes at Sewanee. I am looking forward building special traditions at Sewanee, connecting with former players and alumni, and making this journey a family affair.
Originally from Hendersonville, Tenn., Coach Smith is a 1995 graduate of Hendersonville High School. He was a four-year letter-winner at shooting guard for Furman University from 1995-99, serving as the team captain for the 1997-99 seasons. Coach Smith also lettered in baseball at Furman from 1998-1999. He and his wife Cortney live on the Mountain and have four children, Isaac (8), Mary B. (6), Emma (3), and Izzy (1).
What others are saying about Coach Smith:
“Bubba is just a great person that loves coaching and teaching the game of basketball. He is a proven recruiter and has the respect of his players and his peers.
-Tony Shaver, Head Coach-College of William & Mary
“Bubba will do a great job at Sewanee. He has a great basketball mind, a willingness to work hard, and a competitive spirit that will lead his program. He did an outstanding job of continuing the tradition of excellence here at Hampden-Sydney. He is a man of strong character which will enable him to attract the very best student-athletes in the country. Sewanee will be competing for championships in the near future.”
-Dee Vick, Head Coach-Hampden-Sydney College
"Coach Smith brings proven experience to Sewanee after serving at the helm of a successful basketball program that is steeped in tradition. He is an outstanding teacher of the game and is well-respected throughout the ranks of the basketball coaching community."
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