Tulsa's Wojcik Adds Todd Smith to Basketball Coaching Staff
6/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 4, 2007
Tulsa, Oklahoma - University of Tulsa Head Basketball Coach Doug Wojcik named Todd Smith, formerly of Rice University, as an assistant basketball coach, it was announced today. Smith replaces Hassan Booker who is leaving the coaching profession to enter into the business sector.
Smith comes to Tulsa following a long tenure at Rice. He spent 18 years with the Owls and had the longest consecutive term of any staff member on the Rice men's coaching staff.
"We're excited to have Todd join our program," said Wojcik. "I have known Todd for a long time from my days at Navy recruiting Texas. His experience at Rice with their high academic standards makes him a good fit for Tulsa. He's a very experienced coach and recruiter, especially in the state of Texas."
After serving two years as a graduate assistant coach (1989-91), Smith was promoted to the restricted earnings position where he served from 1991-95, and for the past 12 years (1995-2007) has served as a full-time assistant coach at Rice.
Highlights from his tenure include helping the program achieve more than 150 wins, the first 20-win season in more than 40 years and the first postseason win since 1953. For the Owls, Smith was involved in almost all aspects of the program. In his 18 years, Smith had the opportunity to coach each player position.
"When Doug called me and gave me the opportunity to be a part of the Tulsa basketball program, I knew it was something I had to do. Tulsa is a program that I've been familiar with for the last 10 years. I know the rich tradition of Tulsa basketball and I know that it can be a great basketball school again under Doug," said Smith.
"I have known Doug since he was at Navy. When he was named the Tulsa coach, I was happy for him, but nervous for rest of Conference USA, because I knew he'd do a great job. I feel real lucky to be joining the Tulsa basketball program," added Smith.
"As happy as I am today about joining the Tulsa program, I'm sad about leaving Rice," said Smith. "Where I am today I owe to Rice University and Coach Wilson. I've been with Willis for 14 years and everything I've learned has been from him. The chance to be at one school for such a long time doesn't come along very often. I really appreciate what Rice and Coach Wilson has done for me.
A former four-year basketball letterman at Valparaiso University, Smith played three years for his father (Tom Smith) and his final season for current coach Homer Drew. Smith finished his collegiate playing career ranked third on the Crusaders' all-time assists list with 368. He was also sixth on the schools' list for career steals.
Smith graduated from Valparaiso in 1989 earning a B.S. in physical education and communication.
The 40-year-old Smith, who was born in Valparaiso, Ind., played high school basketball at Valparaiso High. He was an all-conference prep performer, leading the Vikings to the "Sweet 16" in a state that is fanatic about its high school basketball.
He and his wife, Ketti, have three sons, Turner (14), Tate (11), and Jace (8), and a daughter, Sadie (6).
Booker spent two seasons on the Tulsa coaching staff. Booker, who was recruited to play basketball at Navy by Wojcik, was a member of the Naval Academy's women's basketball coaching staff for two seasons while also teaching advanced navigation before coming to Tulsa.