Innovative College Basketball Coach & Program Builder; Head Men's Basketball Coach at Marquette University; Led VCU to NCAA Final Four
Shaka Smart Biography
Shaka Smart is the head men's basketball coach at Marquette University, recognized for his innovative approach to college basketball coaching and player development. Upon his appointment, Smart became the first Black head coach in Marquette program history. As a four-year starter and three-year team captain at Kenyon College, Smart graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history and holds the school's single-season and career records for assists. He was named to the USA Today All-USA Academic Team and received an NCAA postgraduate scholarship before earning a master's degree in social science.
Smart gained national attention for developing the "Havoc" defensive system at Virginia Commonwealth University, a high-pressure, full-court man-to-man defense designed to force turnovers and disrupt offensive rhythm. This system played a key role in leading Virginia Commonwealth to its first Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with the Rams advancing from the First Four and defeating several higher-seeded teams. Smart was recognized as the Fritz Pollard Male Coach of the Year and the Clarence Gaines Coach of the Year by the Black Coaches Association following this achievement.
During his tenure at VCU, Smart posted a 163-56 record and led the team to five NCAA Tournament appearances. He later coached at the University of Texas, where the Longhorns won the National Invitation Tournament. As head coach at Marquette, Smart has guided the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and postseason selections, establishing a reputation for program building and sustained success.
Smart's leadership at Marquette includes guiding the Golden Eagles to a Big East outright regular-season title and tournament championship. The team set a Big East record with a 17-3 conference play mark and featured the league's player of the year, sixth man award winner, and multiple all-league honorees. Smart received national coach of the year honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the United States Basketball Writers Association, and the Associated Press, as well as unanimous Big East Coach of the Year recognition. Marquette has participated in the NCAA Tournament in four of Smart's first five seasons, including a trip to the Sweet 16.
Throughout his career, Smart has coached 10 NBA players, including two lottery picks and 11 overall draft selections. He holds an overall coaching record of 382-203, reflecting his consistent ability to build competitive teams. Smart has also served on the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of college basketball and the coaching profession.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Shaka Smart for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Shaka Smart, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Shaka Smart or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Shaka Smart
Speaking fees for Shaka Smart, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Shaka Smart are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Shaka Smart, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Shaka Smart speak about?
Shaka Smart is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Basketball, Human Resources, Inspirational, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Sports, Sports Coaching, Sports Motivation, Strategic Leadership, Success, Teamwork & Teambuilding -
Where does Shaka Smart travel from?
Shaka Smart generally travels from Milwaukee, WI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Shaka Smart’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Shaka Smart for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Shaka Smart for your next private or corporate function. -
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Shaka Smart is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Shaka Smart for your event is available upon request. Shaka Smart generally travels from Milwaukee, WI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Roy Williams, Rick Pitino, Herman "Herm" Edwards, Buzz Williams and Dan Marino. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Shaka Smart for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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