Smart staying

Compiled from Democrat-Gazette Press Services

Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte said he will stick with men’s basketball Coach Shaka Smart next season after the Longhorns won five of their final six games.

BASKETBALL Smart remains at Texas

Texas will stick with Coach Shaka

Smart next season after the Longhorns won five of their final six games and were fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament before it was canceled amid the coronavirus scare. Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte told the Austin American-Statesman,

“Shaka’s our coach.” Smart was facing open speculation on his future with the Longhorns at midseason when the program was mired near the bottom of the Big 12. The Longhorns had missed the tournament in two of the previous four seasons. Next season will be Smart’s sixth in a seven-year contract. He is 9078 overall at Texas but just 40-50 in the Big 12. The Longhorns were 19-12 last season with no seniors and are expected to return the entire lineup.

Figueroa declares for draft

St. John’s wing LJ Figueroa has declared for the NBA Draft. School officials announced Figueroa’s decision Saturday, saying that he hasn’t hired an agent and still has the option to return to school. Figueroa can return to school for his final season of eligibility if he withdraws from the draft pool by June 3. “I intend to keep all of my options open and look forward to the learning experience this process will offer.” He started 64 of his 66 games for the Red Storm over the past two years and scored 956 points.