Sonny Smith reflects on time at Auburn, growth of the program
The Auburn Tigers honored former basketball coach Sonny Smith during Saturday’s game against Oklahoma. Auburn raised a banner inside Auburn Arena, honoring their former head coach and current men’s basketball radio announcer.
During the ceremony, Smith reflected on his time as Auburn’s head coach. He holds the Tigers in a very high regard, and is very happy to see the growth of the program that is occurring right now.
“I coached all over the world, I only coached one place in my life that I wanted to be my home,” Smith said when reflecting on his time at Auburn. “I was ready for my next job until I found Auburn. Auburn will always be our home…To watch this program grow, it’s a great time to be an Auburn Tiger.”
Smith also said that his love for Auburn was there, regardless of whether or not they raised a banner in honor of him.
“I love Auburn,” said Smith. “Auburn is my home. You didn’t have to put my name up there for me to love this place.”
Smith served as Auburn’s head coach from 1978 to 1989. In 327 games with the Tigers, Smith coached to a 173-154 record. He made five NCAA Tournaments, with all of them coming in consecutive seasons beginning in 1983. Smith led the Tigers to a Sweet 16 and Elite 8 appearance.
Prior to coming to Auburn, Smith coached two years at East Tennessee State, where he amassed a 30-23 overall record. Following the 1989-1990 season, he went to VCU, where he won 136 games and made one NCAA Tournament appearance. Overall, Smith won 339 games in his coaching career.
Smith is watching Auburn’s current growth firsthand
As Auburn’s radio announcer, Smith is no stranger to how much the Tigers basketball program has grown in recent years. A lot of that growth has to do with current head coach Bruce Pearl. Pearl has led Auburn to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Final Four in 2019. The Tigers won 25 games in the COVID-19 shortened 2019-2020 season as well.
Over the last five seasons, Auburn is the winningest program in the SEC with 112 wins. Now, Pearl has a brand new contract extension that will allow him to continue building Auburn’s program for eight more years.
“My intent when I came to Auburn was to have enough success for this to be my last coaching job,” Pearl said of his extension.
“My family and I love Auburn University, the proud tradition, our alumni, student and fan support, as well as the close-knit community we have here on the Plains. I am grateful to all of my players, coaches and support staff for making history. Auburn will be our family’s forever home. I am humbled and blessed to be your head coach for a very long time. War Eagle!”