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Smart hire: Shaka heading to Texas

The Texas Longhorns have reportedly filled Rick Barnes' shoes by hiring Shaka Smart away from VCU.

According to multiple media outlets, Smart accepted the task of taking over Texas' men's basketball program on Thursday.

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Smart, who turns 38 on April 8, has spent six years at VCU, guiding the Rams to at least 26 wins each season and a Final Four appearance in 2011.

Barnes spent 17 years on Texas' sideline and became the program's all-time winningest coach. He led Texas to the NCAA Tournament 16 times, reaching as far as the Final Four in 2003, but early exits and unfulfilled promise led to a mutual parting of ways early this week.

This year's Longhorns squad finished 20-14, falling to Butler in its NCAA Tournament opener. VCU was also one-and-done in the NCAAs this year.

[SportsNetwork.com]

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