Brian Smith has been tapped as the next men’s basketball coach at Columbia-Greene Community College. He will replace Walter Rickard, who has been the head coach for the past six seasons. Rickard will continue at the college as the Director of Athletics and Assistant Dean of Students.
Over the past two seasons, Smith has been invaluable in transforming the men’s basketball program as an assistant coach, responsible for recruiting and coaching the backcourt, and most recently as offensive coordinator. Under his direction, the Twins’ offense improved in many categories. Points per game improved by almost seven points, the team field goal percentage jumped from 40% to 47%, and the team three point percentage increased from 29% to 32%. Shooting guard Tydrea Rodriguez was named Third Team All-Conference under his guidance. C-GCC saw their win total increase from five wins in 2013-14 to 17 wins this season, and they qualified for the NJCAA Region III Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
Previously, Smith served as assistant for the Hudson Valley Community College men’s basketball program for three seasons under Kenneth Dagostino. During the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons he helped the Vikings reach the 20 win mark and qualify for the NJCAA Region III Tournament. Prior to his experience with the men at Hudson Valley Community College, Smith served as the women’s assistant coach under coach Gabe Doemel.
"I am really excited to have Brian as our Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He has tremendous drive and a passion for the game of basketball," said Director of Athletics Walter Rickard. "He has a great rapport with the student-athletes and understands what role athletics can play in the overall educational experience. As he becomes more involved on campus, he will have that same rapport with the overall student population. On top of all that, he has a very good basketball mind. He will be a nice addition to the college community."
Coach Smith received his B.S. and M.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Adapted Physical Education from SUNY Brockport. Additionally, he completed a minor in coaching. Smith attended Notre Dame High School in the Utica area, where he was a point guard for one of the most elite high school basketball programs in the state. Smith began his teaching and coaching career at Ichabod Crane High School, coaching soccer, basketball, and baseball. Currently, he teaches physical education in the Catskill Central School District, and is the head coach of the varsity golf team. He also served as head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team at Catskill High School prior to accepting his collegiate position. When Brian is not coaching, he is a basketball skills trainer to the youth in Albany, NY. Smith resides in Colonie with his wife Katti, son Parker, and daughter Kempton.
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