Fun facts about Coach, Terry Smith-Harris
I grew up with basketball and learned from the very best coaches and mentors, who inspired in me a sense of unstoppable determination and commitment to others. If you can imagine it, I’ve probably done it — from top-tier competitive high school 4A ball in Los Angeles, to the NCAA, to my pursuit to play in the NBA. Since then, it has been my life’s goal to share my knowledge of basketball and coach the competitive spirit in young people — particularly the belief in one’s self. I continue to feel a connection to developing players — mostly because I never forget how I was once them and just how much I had to learn on my road to becoming a competitor.
I am certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Youth Fitness Specialist and I work in accordance with the standards for health and fitness for youth, and I follow strict protocols at all times to ensure healthy development appropriate to the age group.
Throughout my program, I stress the importance of academics and personal achievement. Whether or not my players achieve their “basketball dreams”, or whether basketball is even their primary motivator, I have developed The School of Hoops to equip young people for life.
My History in the Game
In high school, I was fortunate to play on teams that qualified for the Los Angeles City 4A Playoffs. I was a member of the East Valley League Champion (‘93-‘94, 11-0). As a senior, I was named second team All-East Valley League (‘94-‘95, 9-2). During those early years, like many, I experienced adversity, my coaches even expressing that they felt that I was not talented enough to compete at the Division I level, let alone receive a scholarship. Through persistence and daily attention to detail and practice, I earned a full-ride scholarship to play college basketball at Chicago State University (‘96-‘97 All-Newcomer Team / Mid-Continent Conference,15.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.5 steals per game) under Coach Craig Hodges. I transferred to South Carolina State University (‘97-‘98 HBCU NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, MEAC Tournament Champions, NCAA Tournament 1st Rd. - NCAA Tranfer Redshirt) to play under Coach Cy Alexander. And finally, transferred to my dream university: the University of Minnesota, where I learned introspection and focus, as I endured both physical adversity ( ‘98-‘99 R knee surgery) and, personal adversity ( ‘99-‘00 NCAA Dismantling of U of MN men’s basketball program for academic violations from past seasons - Head Coach: Clem Haskins). From there, the pursuit of professional basketball player status began, with plenty of stories to share.
I have the experience and expertise to bring your game to a higher level. I have trained some of the best players in the states California, New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and I’m bringing it to Oregon and Washington.
A word to the wonderful people who have mentored me along the way: I am filled with gratitude for your programs that allowed me to develop into an inspired and passionate seeker of merit in my craft. I work to continue the legacy of the selfless men whom I was fortunate enough to know in my life, whose names include Laurian Watkins (West Coast Wizards / PSSA), Wayne Slappy (YODA), Bill Nachenburg (Madison Junior High School, Van Nuys, CA), and Coach Tiny (K&E Bulls, Los Angeles, CA). I hope to play it forward.