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Charleston Southern head men’s basketball coach Barclay Radebaugh announced the promotions of assistant coaches BJ McKie and Ahmad Smith on Monday. McKie has been elevated to Associate Head Coach, while Smith has been named Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

McKie and Smith have been instrumental in one of the most successful four-year runs in Charleston Southern history. The Bucs have won 70 games, captured a pair of Big South regular season championships, and advanced to two NIT’s since the pair joined the staff in 2011.

Radebaugh also announced the appointment of Thomas Butters as Director of Basketball Operations. Butters served as CSU’s Video Coordinator last season.

McKie, the University of South Carolina’s all-time leading scorer, came to CSU following a distinguished professional playing career overseas. He has helped mentor the All-Big South duo of Saah Nimley and Arlon Harper while also guiding a CSU offense that has consistently ranked among the nation’s best in three-point shooting and scoring.

“I used to say all the time that BJ has the potential to be a terrific coach,” Radebaugh said. “I no longer say that because BJ is a terrific coach. BJ has demonstrated a tremendous loyalty to CSU and our basketball program. He has grown into one of the best assistant coaches in the country. BJ is highly respected on our campus, within our league and in the college basketball profession. He has been a driving force in winning the Big South regular season championship two of the last three years. I want to recognize BJ’s loyalty and excellence by naming him Associate Head Coach.”

McKie played under Radebaugh, then an assistant coach at South Carolina, during one of the most prolific runs in Gamecock history.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be the Associate Head Coach here at Charleston Southern,” McKie said. “It’s been extremely rewarding to be a part of building our basketball program into a winner. I have developed as a coach and professional by working under Coach Radebaugh, and am excited about building on the success we’ve enjoyed, in the future.”

Smith, a former player and coach at Appalachian State, came to CSU following a three-year coaching stint in Ireland. He coaches the Bucs’ post players and is a driving force in CSU’s game-planning and recruiting efforts. CSU has routinely been at the top of the Big South, and among the nation’s best, in rebounding margin and offensive rebounding during Smith’s tenure.

“There are not many coaches in our profession like Ahmad Smith,” Radebaugh said. “Ahmad is the most well-rounded coach I have known in my career. Ahmad can do any job in our program and does them all with a great heart and selfless attitude. Ahmad has been a huge factor in our recruiting effort. His organization, energy, evaluations and relational abilities are second to none. Like BJ, Ahmad has also been a huge part of our success. Along with recruiting, Ahmad has led our scouting and player development effort. Ahmad is a highly respected member of our CSU community and within our profession. I am so thankful for Ahmad, and want to reward his excellence by naming him Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator.”

Smith helped Appalachian State to a school-record 25-win season in 2006-07, and a SoCon North Division championship in 2007-08, and has enjoyed similar success at CSU.

“I appreciate Coach Radebaugh elevating me to Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator,” Smith said. “Being a part of the process of pushing our basketball program to new heights has been a very gratifying experience. I am looking forward to continued success in the years ahead.”

Butters joined CSU last September and was a key part of the winningest regular season in the program’s 50-year history. A former student manager and graduate assistant at Clemson, Butters now begins his second season on Radebaugh’s staff.

“Thomas has quickly become a very valuable part of our staff,” Radebaugh said. “Thomas has a great feel for basketball and player relationships. He was a big part of our regular season championship last season, and is one of the brightest young coaches I have come across. He has a huge future in coaching. We are very thankful for Thomas.”

http://www.csusports.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/releases/201508244guepy