Steve Smith is in his ninth season as coach of the Robinson High boys varsity basketball team. He is also the president of the Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Association. His Knights are currently 5-15.
What are some new things the TBBCA is trying this year under your presidency?
The main thing we're trying to accomplish is to get all coaches active in membership, the Hillsborough All-Star games and Hillsborough-Pinellas All-Star games; we want to continue to provide the county's annual banquet, which is always well done.
What Hillsborough County team do you think has the best chance of going to the state tournament?
I would have to say Berkeley Prep and Tampa Prep because they're very deep, very talented and very well coached, plus they play at a smaller classification. In our district (5A-10), Plant, Chamberlain and Middleton can make a push in the state tournament.
Why did you get into coaching?
I got into coaching to help kids. It's a challenge. I love basketball and the competition makes it exciting.
Are fundamentals declining among high school players nowadays?
I think there's more emphasis on the flash than the fundamentals. In order to be a great team, you have to have fundamentals. The bounce pass is a forgotten pass these days. The bounce pass is the best pass, but now kids want to leave their feet.
Pinellas County typically has had the edge in basketball success. Do you think Hillsborough County is catching up?
The last few year's all-star games, Hillsborough has won. I definitely think Hillsborough County basketball has improved. We have great coaches in this county.
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