Shaka Smart is the Primary Focus of the Texas Longhorns, But What About Jay Wright?

From the HOLY COW college basketball files, non-April Fool’s Day department: The Texas Longhorns coaching search is focused on Shaka Smart and not Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall, and AD Steve Patterson is indeed aiming high, checking in with Villanova’s Jay Wright and Boston’s Brad Stevens.

From Chip Brown of Horns Digest:

"One source said Stevens respectfully declined UT’s interest. Stevens’ Celtics are in a battle for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, and the NBA regular season doesn’t end until mid-April. Messages left for Wright at Villanova weren’t immediately returned. As of 4 pm CT Tuesday, a source close to the situation said Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall hadn’t been contacted by any Texas intermediary. The source said Marshall had interest in hearing from Texas, but that it hadn’t happened by late Tuesday morning."

Where does this leave Marshall? He could still have one of a few jobs that are out there – Alabama, potentially a dead-end job, may offer big bucks – but as many speculated, Patterson is going big-game hunting. Shaka Smart has been coveted by high-majors for years, but rebuffed all of them.

There’s nothing wrong with making the best coaches say no, and working your way down the list. Of course, Marshall’s ego – which wouldn’t even fit in the state of Texas – would feel snubbed and he might turn them down if they came calling a week from now.

Wright is an interesting name. He loves life at Villanova, he’s obviously a terrific coach, but one wonders if he’s hit a ceiling with the Wildcats now that the Big East has been watered down. Two straight disappointing NCAA Tournaments after outstanding regular seasons make you wonder. [via Horns Digest]