Shaka Smart 'can't wait' to get started as the Marquette Men's Basketball coach

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's Shaka time at Marquette! The university formally introduced Shaka Smart as the new head coach of the men's basketball team on Monday, March 29. 

.@MarquetteU officially welcomes @CoachShakaSmart to Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/6S65n8qRLD

— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) March 29, 2021

At a news conference, Coach Smart started off by saying, "I'm so excited to be part of the Marquette nation." 

New @MarquetteMBB coach Shaka Smart being introduced. He says growing up in this part of the country he couldn't help but hear about the Marquette program @CBS58pic.twitter.com/we1tdSvF07

— Darius Joshua (@DariusJoshuaTV) March 29, 2021

The new head coach for the Golden Eagles put together quite a first impression for everyone in attendance. The Madison native said he had three reasons for leaving Texas: Marquette stands for basketball, family and the shared vision of the athletic department. 

"I grew up about an hour from here, I was born in Madison. I spent my whole childhood in Wisconsin and it’s phenomenal being back, but the reason I came back was Marquette," said Smart. 

Shaka will be the 18th head coach in school history, but the first Black coach. He understands what that means for his players and what it means for the future of the sport.

"It is certainly significant. I take a lot of responsibility and pride in being the first Black head coach here," said Smart. "Hopefully down the road there's another Black coach, not just at Marquette, but all around the country," Smart said. 

Smart comes to Milwaukee after six years at Texas where he went 109-86, winning the Big 12 Championship Tournament and making his third NCAA Tournament with the Longhorns. 

Prior to that, the 43-year old spent six seasons at VCU. He led the Rams to a 163-56 record and five NCAA Tournaments including a Final Four Run in 2011.