Smith is a likeable guy, a gentleman. He makes an effort to show kindness to people and that personality has resonated with Minnesotans.
His arrival here was embraced by fans who knew of his national championship at Kentucky and habit of having the Wildcats in the NCAA tournament. He created a buzz but not a mania about Gophers basketball. The program is relevant again in this town with sellouts for Big Ten games, but not for the nonconference. Those games, with Smith’s approval, consist of opponents lacking box office appeal.
Smith’s annual compensation, with incentives, is in the $2 million range. That raises expectations about winning and filling up Williams Arena. He’s an upgrade over previous coach Dan Monson, an opinion everyone other than the Monson family and close friends will agree on. But can Smith raise the status of this program to near annual Big Ten title contender and create a warm place in the hearts of more local winter sports fans?
The next two seasons will likely provide the answer. Depending on how the personnel finalizes, the Gophers could be formidable next season, or still going in reverse. Let’s say Nolen becomes academically eligible, Mbakwe finally plays, and Williams and Sampson fulfill their potential.
If that happens, Smith gets his halo back. That is if he’s still here. The Tubby-to- another-school rumors won’t go away and the one with the most energy is Maryland. Coach Gary Williams, who won a national title in 2002, has only one season above .500 in the ACC during the last six years. Smith is a Maryland native with relatives and family back east.
If Smith leaves Minnesota but the Gophers talent mix emerges, then a new Minnesota coach might be wearing a halo.