Coach’s Corner: Brentwood Academy
We talk so much about the players and what they have accomplished. We talk so much about the summer circuit and what it means. We talk so much about the Nike, Adidas and UA events and showcases, but what happens once that’s all over? The kids return to their respective high schools ready to show the fans how much they have developed and improved over the summer. On the other hand, who talks about their high school coaches and staffs that prepare these young men, day in and day out, getting them ready to play basketball at the college level? In my latest series, I will focus on several high school coaches, staff, and their programs to give you a preview of winter basketball 2017-18 season to come.
Coach Hubie Smith
Brentwood Academy High School
Brentwood, TN
TSSAA Boys Div. II-AA State Champions 2015, 2016, 2017
Hubie Smith- All-USA Tennessee Boys’ Coach of the Year-2016-17 Honor
Overall Record: 88-7 (Entering 2017-18 season)
Coach Smith is one of the most passionate coaches in the high school game today. His knowledge and love for the game shows in the way he coaches his 88-7 Brentwood Academy (BA) Eagles who is coming off of a State Championship season in 2016-17. From our conversation with coach Smith, you can see the passion for teaching and educating kids. When asked about his coaching philosophy, Coach Smith stated that it starts with the basics and ends with performance at its highest level. He doesn’t care who you are or what skill level you are, if you can’t play defensive containment, then you can’t be on the floor for him. BA is not only is solid basketball program and football program, but they are excellent in academics nationally as well. Just like everyone else, he has multi-sport players and has to rely heavily on underclassmen in the early season. Having the success they have had, coach Smith has to rely on players that play smart basketball and don’t take plays off. He’s such a cerebral coach that he wants guys on the floor that not only can play basketball but understand their position and what to do. Like most coaches who have a certain system or play a certain set, Coach Smith plays a more freelance open offense with players that know how to read defenses, understand schemes thrown at them, and can adjust in mid-stream. It’s all about February! We can afford to take a few losses early on, but our program makes an emphasis on playing at peak performance going into the Sate playoffs. This style of play has boasted the Eagles, not only to be ranked the #1 boys Div. II team in Tennessee, but they are nationally ranked coming into the 2017-18 season.
With a great support base, the Eagles rely on parent and booster support. Last season, they played a national schedule, and Coach Smith said that it helped greatly once they came into conference play in the tough Div. II TSSAA boys division. Boasting one of the best players in the nation in Darius Garland (PG), who had narrowed his decision down to 5 major D1 programs, Coach Smith feels very comfortable putting the ball in his playmakers hand. Garland has the total package. He can push in transition, shoot the ball well from the arc, breakdown any defense, and make his teammates better. Along with Garland, he must have help from senior Camron Johnson, who is committed to Vanderbilt for football. In addition to Garland and Johnson, coach Smith will also look to crafty (PG) BJ Davis, Vanderbilt football commit Gavin Schoenwald, Kam Lyons (SG), and 6’5 Soph. Cory Reynolds.
Everyone is going to be shooting at the Eagles this season. They won’t have any easy nights, and there are several teams in the league that have reloaded. Baylor (Chatt, TN), lead by 6’6 (SF) Patrick Urey is young and returns everyone. McCallie (Chatt, TN) lead by sharp shooting (PG) Junior Clay; Ensworth (Nash, TN) will have to reload after the transfer of Wiseman, but they still have a great core in swingman Warren Zagat and Keyshon Lawrence, and MBA (Nash, TN) returns four starters led by Will Nutter, Drew Weikert, Alexander Roberts, and Thomas Carr. Prep Hoops would like to wish Coach Smith and the Brentwood Academy Eagles the best of luck this season and I look forward to reporting on them as the season goes on.