Julius Smith enters his first season with the Anteaters in 2024-25 as an assistant coach.
Smith joins the UC Irvine staff after spending the previous year at Montana State. During his time in Bozeman, Smith assisted in the team's success on the court that reflected in an NCAA Tournament berth after winning the Big Sky Conference Tournament championship. Additionally, he was able to help in the development of two All-Conference level players, while also assisting the team’s maintenance of a 3.14 cumulative GPA.
Prior to Montana State, Smith spent four years at Point Loma Nazarene helping to build one of the best Division II programs in the country. While with the Sea Lions, Smith was a part of four conference tournament and regular season championships. In his last year at Point Loma, Smith helped guide the team to an undefeated conference record (20-0) and a 29-4 overall record behind a 25-game win streak. Smith’s tenure culminated with an 83-22 (0.790) record and the development of 13 All-Conference players. Success on the court was not the only focus, as the team maintained a 3.34 overall GPA collectively.
No stranger to Southern California, Smith spent four seasons coaching at Riverside Polytechnic High School and assisted in restructuring the program into one of the most well rounded and respected basketball teams in Southern California. While at Riverside Poly, he saw multiple players move on to the collegiate level and continue their athletic and academic pursuits. Furthermore, Smith was involved with reputable grassroot programs in the Cali Rebels and West Coast Elite where he also guided players to the collegiate level.
Smith played collegiately at Jessup University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and later went on to earn his Master of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in literature.
Smith is joined by his wife, Nicole, and they are both excited to embark on this new journey with the Anteater family.
