Mark Berman's Blog

Former Rice assistant basketball coach Todd Smith told FOX 26 Sports Sunday he has accepted the job of becoming the first full-time Athletics Director at University of St. Thomas in Houston. Smith also told FOX he will become the school's first head coach in men's basketball as well.

St. Thomas has been playing women's volleyball and men's soccer as an independent in the NAIA. The volleyball program has been up and running for two years and the soccer program for one.

Men's basketball will begin play in 2009.

"I think this is giving me a chance to really learn about the school and help the volleyball and soccer programs and not rush into basketball," Smith said.

"I can fund-raise and get to know the administration before I dive into basketball."

Smith was an assistant coach at Rice for 18 years before taking a similar position at Tulsa. He decided to return to Houston after two months on that job because he felt it was best for his family.

During his stint at Rice Smith played a key role in the development of Houston Rockets forward Michael Harris and Utah Jazz guard Morris Almond.

"I think it's a challenge when you are building the foundation of any program," Smith said. "But with Houston Baptist University moving up to Division 1, we are going to be the only small college program in the city.

"There are so many players and so much potential in the City of Houston. With the option to play at home, not just in basketball but in all sports, I think we can compete nationally very soon."

Smith said St. Thomas is already talking with the Red River Conference about a potential match. HBU was a member of that conference before becoming a provisional member of the NCAA.

The mascot for St. Thomas are the Celts (pronounced: Kelts).