Louisville names ex-Duke assistant Smith to Cardinals staff

By GARY B. GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville coach Kenny Payne has named former Duke staffer Nolan Smith as assistant coach. It is Payne’s first staff hire since becoming Cardinals head coach nearly three weeks ago. Smith’s hiring comes nearly a week since he informed the team of his departure after a season as assistant to Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski and six overall with the Blue Devils. The son of former Louisville standout Derek Smith, who played on the Cardinals’ 1980 NCAA championship team, was introduced during a news conference Monday afternoon. Smith helped Duke win three consecutive ACC championships from 2009-11 and the NCAA men’s basketball title in 2010.