Bennett Names Kyle Smith and Lamont Smith to Coaching Staff
5/2/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 2, 2001
Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's head men's basketball coach Randy Bennett named Kyle Smith and Lamont Smith to his coaching staff today. Kyle Smith comes to Saint Mary's from the Air Force Academy and Lamont Smith was an assistant coach at Saint Louis with Bennett.
Before coming to Saint Mary's, Kyle Smith spent one season as the top assistant at the Air Force Academy of the Mountain West Conference. During his time with the Falcons, Smith served as the offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and helped with player development and scouting.
"In hiring Kyle Smith to the Saint Mary's staff, we have hired one of the most talented assistant coaches in the country," stated Bennett. "Not only is Kyle experienced beyond his years, he also is a very bright person that is passionate about coaching basketball and has a great basketball mind."
Before joining the Academy, Smith served a seven-year stint at San Diego where he began his coaching career under Hank Egan from 1992-98 and served one year with Brad Holland. During his time at USD, Smith helped lead the team to the second most victories in school history in 1999-00. As the team defensive coordinator that season, Smith's defense led the West Coast Conference in fewest points allowed (62.6 ppg).
Smith, 31, is a 1992 graduate of Hamilton College where he earned a bachelor's degree in English. Smith was a four-year basketball letterman and helped the 1990-91 squad to a 26-1 record, including a 24-0 regular season and a No. 1 national ranking in NCAA Division III. As the starting point guard, Smith averaged 10.0 points per game and led the team in assists, steals, free throw percentage and three-point accuracy. He was captain of the squad his senior year.
A native of Houston, Texas, Smith earned his Master of Art degree in Educational Leadership from San Diego in 2000.
Lamont Smith, a 25 year old native of The Colony, Texas, returns to the WCC after spending two years under the tutelage of Lorenzo Romar at Saint Louis. Smith began his coaching career as the graduate assistant coach at SLU from 1999-01. Smith's duties with the Billikens included film exchange and assisting with team recruiting and the strength and conditioning program.
"Lamont has a leadership personality that will make him a very good coach," commented Bennett. "His communication skills will make him a very good recruiter for Saint Mary's basketball."
Smith will serve as the second assistant under Bennett and his duties will include working with the guards, coordinating the strength and conditioning program and team camps, as well as assisting in recruiting and scouting.
Smith earned a BA in Communications from San Diego in 1998 and was a member of the men's basketball team from 1994-99. He was named USD's Defensive Player of the Year in 1997 and 1999 and served as the team captain from 1997-99.
MBB | Highlights from Mickey McConnell's Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, March 25
MBB | Mickey McConnell Introductory Press Conference, 3-25-26
Wednesday, March 25
MBB | Liam Campbell, Joshua Dent and Randy Bennett Postgame Interview vs Texas A&M, 3-19-26, presented by University Credit Union
Thursday, March 19
MBB | Harry Wessels, Joshua Dent and Rory Hawke Featured on ESPN Australia
Wednesday, March 18
