Hawaii Hurricanes Name Alika Smith As Head Coach
June 29, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Hawaii Hurricanes News Release
Honolulu, HI. After a nationwide search, Andrew Moss, owner/President of the new ABA Hawaii Hurricanes, announced the hiring of local resident and former island basketball star Alika Smith as the team's head coach.
Smith, who most recently served as an assistant coach for the University of Hawaii basketball program, starred in the backcourt with NBA player Anthony "A.C." Carter while at the University of Hawaii from 1995-98. Smith also coached at UH Hilo under head coach Jeff Law from 2001-03 helping lead the Vulcans to the NCAA II West Regionals in 2003.
"This is a great opportunity for me and I am very appreciative to have the chance to be a head coach at this level and stay in Hawaii,:" said Smith. "This will be an exciting year for Hawaii basketball fans with the addition of the up-tempo brand of basketball that the ABA presents."
Prior to becoming part of UH's best backcourt duo, Smith played for his father, the former Pete Smith, at Kaleheo. After helping UH upset Bobby Knight's Indiana squad and leading the team back-to-back 21 win seasons and two NIT appearances, Smith went on to play overseas in Greece and the US.
"We led a nationwide search for an experienced coach who could also generate a local following," said Moss. "With Alika we found exactly what the Hawaii Hurricanes needed right in our backyard and we could not be happier with our decision."
Smith is married with two sons and lives in Kailua. More announcements will be made soon regarding the Hawaii Hurricanes venue, schedule, tryouts and ticket sales. For more information, email andrew_moss@hawaiihurricanes.com or visit www.abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
• Discuss this story on the American Basketball Association message board...
American Basketball Association Stories from June 29, 2007
- Orange County Gladiators Announce Aquisition Of NBA Veteran - ABA
- Beijing Aoshen Olympian Chosen In NBA Draft - ABA
- Long Beach Breakers At Long Beach Performing Arts Center - Long Beach Breakers
- Hawaii Hurricanes Name Alika Smith As Head Coach - Hawaii Hurricanes
- Sauk Valley Rollers Change Name To Rock River Fury - Rockford Fury
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
