Texas men's basketball coach Shaka Smart tests positive for COVID-19

Texas Longhorns men's basketball coach Shaka Smart announced on Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. 

"I tested positive for COVID and am in isolation away from our team and my family," Smart said in a statement shared by Jeff Borzello of ESPN. "I am working remotely and look forward to rejoining our team in person when it is safe to do so."

Texas began the week ranked No. 5 in the latest Associated Press poll following an 82-67 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats on Jan. 16 that improved the Longhorns to 11-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The Longhorns had back to back contests postponed due to COVID-19 issues impacting opponents. 

K.T. Turner serves as Texas associate head coach, and it is assumed he will take over in Smart's absence. It's unknown if Texas will be cleared to face the No. 24-ranked Oklahoma Sooners on Tuesday and the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday. 

Some teams that have recorded positive coronavirus test results among student-athletes, coaches, and support staff have observed 14-day quarantines out of caution, while others returned sooner following contact tracing and testing. 

Texas is scheduled to host the unbeaten Baylor Bears, No. 2 in the nation, on Feb. 2.