New Beginnings, New Era For SMU Basketball Starts Monday

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU has announced the hiring of Rob Lanier as its new head men’s basketball coach, beginning Monday, March 28. Lanier, one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history at any level, comes to SMU after spending the last six seasons as the head coach at Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta.

Experience and Accolades

Lanier, 58, has a career record of 283-202 (.582) in 15 seasons as a head coach. He led GSU to four Sun Belt Tournament Championships, three Sun Belt regular-season titles, and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including leading the Panthers to the Sweet Sixteen in 2018. Before GSU, Lanier spent seven seasons at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., where he led the Saints to a pair of 20-win seasons and a berth in the NIT.

“Rob Lanier is a proven winner,” SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart said. “He’s a coach who knows how to build successful programs, and he’s a recruiter who can bring in the type of high-quality student-athletes that we need to compete for championships.”

Building a Winning Culture

Lanier is known for his ability to develop players and build a winning culture. He has coached 10 All-Conference players, four All-Americans, and two NBA Draft picks during his time at GSU and Siena.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead SMU basketball,” Lanier said. “This is a program with a rich tradition, and I look forward to building on that foundation and bringing success back to SMU.”

New Era for SMU Basketball

Lanier’s hiring marks a new era for SMU basketball. The Mustangs have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2017 and have only reached the postseason once since 2014. Lanier is confident that he can turn things around and make SMU a consistent winner.

“I believe that we can build a championship program here at SMU,” Lanier said. “We have the resources, the facilities, and the support to do it. I’m excited about the future of SMU basketball.”