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Tennessee State Eyeing AAC Assistant Coach: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 8:00 PM ET

Tennessee State men's basketball is reportedly circling University of Memphis Tigers assistant coach Nolan Smith, sources tell longtime basketball insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson.

“He may get the job,” a source told Robinson. “But he still has not met with the President yet.”

Under seven-year head coach — and former NBA All-Star point guard — Penny Hardaway, Memphis has advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four seasons. Smith has served as an assistant under Hardaway since the start of 2024-25. Hardaway boasts a 162-68 overall record.

Smith is also a former pro. A consensus All-American First Teamer under Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Smith was selected with the No. 21 pick by the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 6-foot-2 point guard was toggled between Portland and the G League's Idaho Stampede for the ensuing two seasons. He then continued his pro career abroad, suiting up for Croatian club Cedevita Zagreb and Turkey's Galatasaray from 2013-14. Smith next played for the Philadelphia 76ers' NBAGL affiliate, then called the Delaware 87ers, during the 2014-15 season.

Smith returned to the Blue Devils as a coach in 2016. While Smith was on staff, Duke went 159-47, making the Final Four in 2022. 25 of the Dukies under Krzyzewski and Smith's tutelage went on to play in the NBA, including future All-Star forwards Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero.

“Being under Coach K might have helped,” another source informed Robinson. “But nothing has been decided as of today.”

Smith ditched Duke in 2022-23 to serve as an assistant under head coach Kenny Payne. The entire staff was let go after two seasons, after which Smith landed on Memphis.

"Tennessee State’s Athletic Director is said to have been impressed by Smith’s combination of pedigree, experience under Hall of Fame leadership, and his youthful energy on the recruiting trail," Robinson writes of the 36-year-old.

Under now-former head coach Brian Collins, Tennessee State went 17-16 in 2024-25.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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