For the first time since the 2014-2015 season, someone not named Shaka Smart will be running Texas’ basketball program. Smart accepted the Marquette job on Friday after failing to win an NCAA Tournament win with the Longhorns in six seasons.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte has immediately started his coaching search, with names such as Texas Tech’s Chris Beard and Oregon’s Dana Altman being thrown around. The third and final name on our possible replacements for Smart, Royal Ivey, reportedly received an interview.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Ivey interviewed for the open head coaching job on Sunday.
While he does not have any head coaching experience, at the NBA or college level, Ivey is a former player and a member of the 2003 Final Four team. He has worked as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and now the Brooklyn Nets.
Shelburne is also reporting Ivey’s hiring has the support of the Longhorns’ basketball alumni. Kevin Durant, who is currently with the Brooklyn Nets, is the name that pops out.
Brooklyn Nets assistant coach @ROYALTIVEY interviewed for the Texas job on Sunday, sources told ESPN. Ivey was a key player on the Longhorns Final Four team in 2003 and there is strong support for him amongst Texas alumni —most notably @KDTrey5
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) March 28, 2021
While Ivey may not be the attractive hire that Texas fans are looking for, he would have the opportunity to build the program up over time. The backing of some of the Longhorns’ most prominent players would help as well. Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and D.J. Augustin could all help from a recruiting aspect.
Brooklyn is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers. If Ivey decides to finish out the season with the Nets, the NBA Finals could end as late as July 22.