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AUSTIN — Neither Tom Herman or Shaka Smart have had much down time in the last eight months. Herman, of course, is getting situated with his program in Austin. Smart is preparing for his 12-day trip to Australia, which begins Saturday, and getting things started for Texas’ 2018 class.

But the head men’s basketball coach has had at least a few minutes to take a look at what Herman has done in his short time at Texas. So far, Smart has come away impressed.



“I’ve enjoyed getting to know him,” Smart told reporters on Thursday about Herman. “I think he's doing some really, really interesting things and neat things with his team. He’s just proactive as a thinker.”



Smart was always close with Herman’s predecessor, Charlie Strong, who was fired in late November. At the time, Smart had kind words as well for the departing head coach after beginning his own Texas career right around the same time Strong did as well.



Of course, it’s not uncommon for the men’s basketball coach and head football coach to have a close relationship. Both sports are the two highest revenue-generating programs on campus. Herman and Smart even spent some time together this spring on a visit with the Texas Governor.

With Herman at the helm, Smart hasn’t been able to make it out to a practice just. He says he hopes to during Texas’ preseason camp. But he’s already noticed a difference in the Longhorns.



One, they physically look much more impressive. Two, there seems to be more confidence throughout the players.



“I’m really excited for Tom and his staff,” Smart said. “It seems like — I run into the football players a lot in the freight elevator because where I park that’s kind of where I come up, and those guys they have a bounce in their step, which is pretty neat just to see.”

