Shaka gets HUGE raise...

**RhoadsRage** · 04-04-2011, 06:41 PM

Shaka Smart has deal to remain at Virginia Commonwealth - ESPN

Staying with VCU.

**bosco** · 04-04-2011, 07:22 PM

This coincides with his make up. He played ball at a Div III school and always felt like he was overlooked by the bigger schools. He coached with a chip on his shoulders. Maybe he felt that he couldn't "sell out" and play for the big guys.

**jsmith86** · 04-04-2011, 08:03 PM

Great to hear that they could afford to keep him. I've read that other schools offered him around $2 million. Looking at it, 1.2 as base salary plus bonuses really isn't that much less. Sure its 800,000 a year less, but I'm guessing he'll make that up with the bonuses, which will probably be a lot easier to come by at VCU than elsewhere. He'll probably have much better job security at VCU as well, especially if his teams show up like they did this year.

Also, there is something to be said about wanting to be in sports for more than the money. Sure, its nice to be a few million dollars richer at the end of the day, but if he repeatedly can take VCU to the top of the tourney, he'll be a legend. Think about how much we like Johnny Orr.

**heitclone** · 04-04-2011, 08:05 PM

Glad to see him stay, he could've taken the money but just like Brad Stevens, if he can continue to win he'll be able to write his own ticket in the future.

**St8Grad** · 04-04-2011, 08:18 PM

Great to see. Surprised a CAA team can fork up $1.2M+, but he's definitely got a chip on his shoulder & his players will mirror his attitude. That turned out pretty good in the tourney run!

**jsb** · 04-04-2011, 08:32 PM

I think Shaka knows he is a good coach and therefore he is pretty sure he will have other opportunities. And also there is a huge difference between the $350,000 he made this year and $1.2 million. Really, $350,000 isn't all that much out east. It's obviously a good income, but not crazy.

I'm glad he is going back to VCU. I think there will be better jobs out there for him in a year or two. NC STate and Missouri and Miami aren't that great of jobs.

**HOTDON** · 04-04-2011, 09:52 PM

I haven't seen details anywhere, but I'm guessing there is a steep buyout attached to the contract if someone hires him away during those 8 years. Probably a win for both sides.

**kucyclone** · 04-04-2011, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by HOTDON

I haven't seen details anywhere, but I'm guessing there is a steep buyout attached to the contract if someone hires him away during those 8 years. Probably a win for both sides.

Doubt it's that steep. Shaka and his agent pretty much had all the leverage in whatever negotiation they had.

**Frak** · 04-04-2011, 10:13 PM

How in the heck does a CAA team afford $1.2M per year? That's more than Hoiberg is getting. Heck, I think that's more than Rhoads makes. VCU can't get anything for TV revenue, can't average that many fans (arena holds 7500), doesn't have a D1 FB program. They must have had some big time donors step up and agree to pay Shaka's salary.