Starting the campaign with three straight wins, the pre-Christmas 90-85 loss against Reading Rockets was Birmingham’s fifth defeat in a row as they moved out of the top eight for the first time this season.
But Smith, himself no stranger during a glittering playing career with the Newcastle Eagles, is unfazed and believes in his team’s ability to push through on the resumption of NBL1 in 2025.
“I put the focus on them to perform,” Smith says.
“I want them to be more competitive for the full 40 minutes and give our best effort. So, if we can continue to put in performances like we did [against Reading], I got to be happy.
“The results will get there and then, it's just the way we got to perform on the court.
“Our end goal is to make the playoffs. We have the talent and the squad to get there. We will continue to get better and better every day and we can stay focused for 40 minutes, I can see that happening.”
Despite the loss to Reading, it was a determined and gritty performance from CoB, making life difficult for the Berkshire outfit.
It was the type of style and hustle that would make Smith’s old head coach at the Eagles, Fabulous Flournoy proud, however, he is focusing on how he is performing as a first year playcaller.
“I'm enjoying my first year in the league, this is a really competitive division and it always has been, even back when I was playing in Newcastle,” Smith said.
“I got a great group of guys. I think that has helped - personally they're great guys and they give me all their support.
“I'm taking it day by day, learning like different personalities throughout the team and how I can speak to some and speak to others. So, but I'm having to do a lot of scouting stuff too, so that's a lot different, but I'm adjusting pretty well and I got a great coaching staff behind me too that help me and give me all the support I need.”
CoB Rockets resume their campaign on 11 January at the Nottingham Hoods.
Words: John Hobbs
Pictures: @seixasphotography
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