Jay Smith has been promoted to The University of New Orleans men’s basketball lead assistant coach, head coach Mark Slessinger announced. Smith is entering his fifth season on the Lakefront.
“Coach Smith has played an integral role in our program both on and off the court. He is more than just a talented coach, and his enhanced role will be key to our program,” said Slessinger.
“He has worked tirelessly and invested in our student-athletes’ success and development every step of the way. I can’t wait to see him continue to grow and positively impact our student-athletes, our university, and our beloved New Orleans.”
Joining the staff in 2019, Smith helped the Privateers put together an 18-win season and reach the College Basketball Classic in the 2021-2022 season. Smith has been integral in the development of former and current Privateer record-holders to include Troy Green, Derek St. Hilaire, Jordan Johnson, and Bryson Robinson.
“I am truly blessed and thankful that Coach Slessinger and Mr. Duncan [Vice President of Athletics & Recreation] have afforded me the opportunity to step into this new role. I look forward to this new challenge and how it can add to my continued development on the Lakefront,” said Jay Smith.
“Coach Slessinger, the staff and our student athletes have allowed me to grow over these last four years. Continuing to help grow our program through our core values and mentoring our student athletes on and off the floor, as we work towards achieving our goals will always be my driving force.”
Prior to joining New Orleans, Smith served as head coach at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. During his two years at the helm, Smith compiled a record of 44-17. During the 2018-19 campaign, he led the Wildcats to a 24-7 finish, a NAIA Sweet Sixteen appearance, and their first national tournament win in 49 years.
The historical season led to Smith being named Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Ferontay Banks earned RRAC Freshman of the Year, and several Wildcats earned All-American, and All-Conference honors
Smith spent three seasons at Louisiana State University–Alexandria as assistant coach and director of player development in which they garnered an 86-9 record. Smith’s instruction was instrumental in LSU-Alexandria’s run of twinning three consecutive conference championships and two conference tournament titles. The stint also includes a 2017 NAIA Fab Four appearance with a final record of 34-1 on the 2016-2017 season.
In addition to developing numerous NAIA All Americans, Smith was named as one of the top 25 small college assistant coaches by CoachStat.net.
Smith began his coaching career at Cormeaux High School in Lafayette as assistant coach. During his eight years at Comeaux, he helped the Spartans win 171 games. Smith helped lead Cormeaux to several firsts to include a District championship, top 28 appearance, District MVP, All Acadiana MVP, and a McDonald’s All-American.
The New Roads, Louisiana native is a 2017 graduate of Louisiana State University–Alexandria.
