Smith named Gorman basketball coach

Friday, June 23, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

Bishop Gorman assistant coach Robert Smith, a member of the UNLV Sports Hall of Fame, has been named head coach of the defending 4A state champion Gaels basketball team. He replaces Jeff Wagonseller, who resigned last month amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Smith, a 1977 UNLV graduate, has spent the past eight years as a teacher and coach at Bishop Gorman. He earned three varsity letters as a member of the Rebels' basketball team and still ranks as the school's all-time leader in career free-throw percentage (.878). He went on to play five seasons with the New Jersey Nets and later played professionally in Canada, Europe and the CBA.

"We're very pleased to have him on campus and to have him as our new coach," Bishop Gorman athletic director Norman Craft said. "All the kids wanted him, and we felt Robert was the best man for the job."

Craft said the school interviewed six candidates before making a final decision.

The Gaels return most of the key players from their 2000 championship team, including center Jason Carter -- generally regarded as Nevada's top college prospect.

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