in

Shaka Smart Wasting No Time Recruiting

Feb 28, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams head coach Shaka Smart looks on from the court during the second half against the Dayton Flyers at Stuart Siegel Center. The Flyers won 59-55. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

The spring signing period has nearly come and gone, as college coaches around the country have begun to switch their attention towards the 2016 class.

For Shaka Smart and the Texas Longhorns, some might think that there might be a feeling out period, where Smart and his staff get to know the ins and outs of the program before setting out on the recruiting trail.

Nope. Recruiting is everything.

One of the first tasks for Smart, when he arrived in Austin, was to convince his former VCU commit Tevin Mack to join him at UT. Mack was given his release from the Rams after Smart’s departure.

All signs seem to point towards UT having the lead for his commitment, which would be a tremendous coup for Smart in his first spring. Landing a top 50 recruit is exactly what can give his program the momentum they need heading into next season.

But it’s not all just about year one.

Smart needs talented, athletic, and savvy guards for his system, so it should surprise no one that he is in hot pursuit of retooling the Longhorns’ perimeter for the future.

Being able to tap into the local recruiting circles for the 2016 class will be vital for the new staff as they try to regain Texas’ foothold in-state, and keep schools like Texas A&M, Baylor, and SMU from taking all of the talent.

Written by Will Whelan

Somewhere between psychotic and iconic, William finds refuge in the sound of a leather ball bouncing on a wooden floor, preferably with a Burgundy in hand.

Draft Night Implications Follow Emmanuel Mudiay

Mauro Icardi Headlines Group Of Possible Transfers That Could Help Chelsea’s Attack