The Sidelines: Shaka Smart discusses Texas' 2017 season, LeBron + his coaching influences

By foxsports
Published

On this week's episode of  "The Sidelines Podcast" with FS1 college basketball insider Evan Daniels, second-year head coach of the Texas Longhorns, Shaka Smart joined the show.

The conversation between Coach Smart and Evan hit on a wide-ranging number of topics, including:

The recruitment of five-star, McDonald's All-American Jarrett Allen. Allen didn't officially decide on Texas until late this past spring, and the Longhorns had to beat out other big time schools like Kansas and Kentucky for his commitment. Did Coach Smart sweat at all? 

How Coach Smart is influenced by the least likely man - Nick Saban. He discusses how and why he's begun following Coach Saban, and why, despite the fact they've never met, he still takes a lot from the Alabama football coach.

Shaka shares memories of working out LeBron James back when he was in high school. He also discusses the one thing that separates LeBron from everyone else - and it isn't physical ability. 

And finally, Coach Smart discusses the 2016-17 Longhorns, as well as the role fellow freshman Andrew Jones will have on this team. 

Evan was also joined by FOX Sports college basketball writer Aaron Torres to discuss the upcoming 2016-17 season. The two shared their national Player of the Year selections as well as players to watch, Final Four and national championship selections.

The season is just days away and this show is an absolute must-listen for every college basketball fan. And if you haven't listened to the interviews with Coach K and Jay Wright, be sure to check them out.

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