CLEMSON — Clemson assistant coach Shaka Smart came to Clemson two years ago hoping to gain some valuable experience while stockpiling his coaching resume. It’s safe to say after helping guide the Tigers to 49 wins in those two seasons he has done both and with that, it’s time for him to move on.

University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan confirmed previous reports from Monday that Smart is leaving Clemson to join his staff. Smart replaces Lewis Preston who left Florida after two years to join the coaching staff at Penn State.

“I want to thank Coach (Oliver) Purnell and the entire staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of a tremendous basketball program,” Smart said in a press statement Monday afternoon. “I learned a great deal the past two years and had the chance to work closely with some outstanding people.

“I look forward to what lies ahead at Florida."

Widely regarded as one of the top young assistants in the nation, the 31-year-old Smart comes to Florida after spending the last two years at Clemson where he helped the Tigers reach the postseason in each of his two years, including a trip to the ACC title game this past season as well as the NCAA Tournament.

“We’re very excited to have Shaka as part of our program,” Donovan said. “There are many people who I trust and respect in the coaching community that have had nothing but great things to say about Shaka, his work ethic, and his knowledge of the game.”

As a part of Purnell’s staff, Smart played a big role in Clemson’s 49 wins – the program’s best two-year stretch in its history. Besides advancing to the ACC Championship game and its first NCAA Tournament in 10 years, Clemson went 24-10 this past season after registering a 25-11 mark and a trip to the NIT Championship game in 2007. Those were the first back-to-back 20-win seasons since the 1980 and 1981 teams did the same.

Smart also worked under Purnell at Dayton as Director of Basketball Operations before leaving for his role as an assistant coach at Akron. Purnell, who is on vacation, was unable to be reached for comment.

Smart has spent the last two seasons as not only Purnell’s assistant coach, but as one of his best recruiters too. Smart has been credited with improving Clemson’s overall recruiting level, particularly with the signing of several top 100 prospects.

He was a main factor in getting 7-foot-1 center Catalin Baciu to join Clemson with this incoming class, and his relationship with Pinewood Prep star Milton Jennings played a significant role in Jennings pledging his loyalty to Clemson for next November’s signing date.

Clemson has become somewhat of a hotbed for Florida the last five years. Former Clemson coach Larry Shyatt landed on Donovan’s staff after he and Clemson decided to part ways following the 2003 season.

Florida most recently persuaded Kevin O’Sullivan to become their head baseball coach last summer. O’Sullivan was Clemson baseball coach Jack Leggett’s top assistant and recruiting coordinator at the time.

y>