Editorial

Texas Basketball Coach Shaka Smart Tests Positive For COVID-19

(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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Texas Longhorns basketball coach Shaka Smart announced he tested positive for coronavirus Monday.

Smart confirmed he is in isolation away from the team after testing positive.

“I tested positive for COVID and am in isolation away from our team and my family,” Smart said in a statement on his Twitter account. “I am working remotely and look forward to rejoining our team in person when it is safe to do so.” (RELATED: Georgetown Halts Basketball Activities Because Of Coronavirus)

The team is set Tuesday to play Oklahoma and it is not clear if the schedule has been affected.

This season has arguably been Smart’s best season with the Longhorns since he grabbed the head coaching position back in 2015. Texas currently sits at number five in the NCAA Men’s Basketball rankings right under Gonzaga, Baylor, Villanova and Iowa.

Despite not having the best seasons, Shaka has coached two players into the NBA during his tenure as Texas’ head coach. Mohamed Bamba played one season for the Longhorns in 2017-18. He was drafted sixth in the first round to the Orlando Magic.

Shaka also coached Jaxson Hayes during the 2018-19 season. He was drafted in the ninth in the first round to the New Orleans Pelicans.