FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Nick Smith is one of the most decorated players in the history of men's basketball at Nova Southeastern University. Now, Smith has made his way back to campus after finishing his playing career last spring. The former Shark is now transitioning to the bench as a graduate assistant coach alongside coaches Jim Crutchfield, Jordan Fee and Mike Chalas.

"I'm thankful and lucky for the opportunity that Coach Crutchfield gave me…It's something I could never pass up," said Smith.

In his four-year Shark career, Smith averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Furthermore, Smith left his mark on the NSU program in the record department, as he is the Sharks' all-time leader in steals (230), as well as third in in assists (482), fifth in three-point field goals made (180), sixth in points scored (1,482) and sixth in free throws made (288).

The Pittsburgh native's final season in 2021-2022 was historic, guiding the Sharks to the Sunshine State Conference title and SSC Tournament Crown, as well as back to the Elite Eight for the second-time in program history. Smith broke multiple NSU single-season records with 247 assists and 98 steals. Now, Smith finds himself coaching his former teammates from last season. While that could be a difficult task for some, Smith believes that he is ready for the challenge due to his experience.

"Last year, I was the vocal leader, so earning their respect last season helps me coach them now," said Smith. "The system that we run is different from any system in the nation, so being able to have played in the system for five years, I feel like I know what Coach (Crutchfield) is thinking and what he wants."

In fact, Smith was originally committed to West Liberty out of high school before flipping his pledge to NSU, following Crutchfield to South Florida. Smith was one of the first players that Crutchfield brought to the program, and now, the former guard will be sitting next to Crutchfield on the bench.

"He's made an incredible transition from player to coach," said Crutchfield. "It wasn't as big of a transition as it would be for most people because he was already a coach on the floor."

The Sharks open its season in the SCB Hall of Fame Classic on November 5 against Alabama-Huntsville in Lakeland, Fla. To stay up-to-date on the Nova Southeastern Sharks Men's Basketball team, be sure to follow on Twitter and Instagram at NSU_MBasketball.