The Kyle Smith Era Begins at Stanford
The anticipation is palpable as the Kyle Smith era tips off this Monday afternoon when Stanford University hosts the University of Denver in a nonconference matchup. This game marks a significant turning point for the Cardinal, who are eager to shake off the mediocrity of recent seasons and embrace a new direction under Smith’s leadership.
A New Chapter for Stanford Basketball
Kyle Smith, who previously led Washington State to an impressive 25-win season and a spot in the NCAA Tournament, has been brought in to replace Jerod Haase. Haase’s tenure saw the Cardinal finish with a record of 126-127 over eight seasons, a performance that left fans yearning for more. Smith’s hiring signals Stanford’s commitment to revitalizing its basketball program and returning to the competitive landscape of college basketball.
The Big Man in the Middle: Maxime Raynaud
One of the most exciting aspects of Smith’s new role is the talent he inherits, particularly in the form of 7-foot-1 forward Maxime Raynaud. Recognized by a national publication as the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason first-team center, Raynaud is poised for a breakout season. His summer training with the French National Team, where he helped prepare his teammates for their gold-medal run against Team USA, has only added to his experience and skill set. However, Smith emphasizes that Raynaud’s individual success alone won’t be enough to elevate Stanford’s performance.
A Focus on Fundamentals
In his initial remarks, Smith outlined a clear vision for the team’s improvement. “We’re gonna have to defend better, rebound better and take care of the ball,” he stated. Drawing from his experience with multiple programs, Smith believes he has a solid blueprint for success. His approach will focus on instilling a strong defensive mindset, enhancing rebounding efforts, and minimizing turnovers—key areas that have plagued the Cardinal in recent seasons.
Building a Strong Supporting Cast
Recognizing the need for a robust supporting cast around Raynaud, Smith has strategically utilized the transfer portal to enhance the team’s roster. Notable additions include Jaylen Blakes from Duke, Oziyah Sellers from USC, Chisom Okpara from Harvard, and Derin Saran from UC Irvine. These transfers bring a wealth of talent and experience, providing Smith with the depth necessary to compete at a higher level.
Denver’s Journey and New Faces
On the other side of the court, the Denver Pioneers are also entering a new phase under head coach Jeff Wulbrun. After a dismal two-win season in 2021, the Pioneers have steadily improved, recording 11, 15, and 17 victories in the subsequent seasons. However, they have yet to secure a win against Stanford in their seven all-time meetings, a streak they will be eager to break.
With top scorer Tommy Bruner graduating, the Pioneers will look to sophomore guard DeAndre Craig to step up this season. Craig showed promise late last year, averaging 13.3 points during Denver’s run to the Summit League tournament finals. His development will be crucial as the team seeks to fill the scoring void left by Bruner.
New Additions to the Denver Coaching Staff
The Pioneers will also debut two new assistant coaches in this season opener: Shammond Williams and Bill Peterson. Williams, a former player who reached three NCAA Final Fours with North Carolina, brings invaluable experience and insight to the program. Meanwhile, Peterson’s background in player development with the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors adds a professional edge to Denver’s coaching staff. Wulbrun expressed enthusiasm about their contributions, stating, “These guys have added so much to our program. They have been at the level that every player in college basketball aspires to be at.”
Looking Ahead
As the season opener approaches, both teams are poised for a fresh start. For Stanford, the Kyle Smith era represents hope and potential, while Denver aims to continue its upward trajectory. With intriguing storylines and talented players on both sides, fans can expect an exciting matchup that sets the tone for the rest of the season.