Alcorn State hires Smith as next coach|[05/08/08]

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 8, 2008

From staff reports

Larry Smith is coming home – again.

The former NBA player and coach was introduced today as the next head basketball coach at Alcorn State, replacing Sam West.

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Smith on Tuesday resigned his post as an assistant coach with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Smith, who had the nickname “Mr. Mean” as a player because of his aggressive defensive play, had been coaching in the WNBA after a short stint at St. Aloysius. He was hired by the Vicksburg Catholic school before last school year, but lasted only into November before leaving for the professional ranks.

The Rolling Fork native, who turned 50 in January, will return to his alma mater. He starred at Alcorn before playing for the Golden State Warriors in 1980. He played 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 10 rebounds per game.

Under West, the Braves went 44-105 in five seasons.