One smart decision

Virginia Commonwealth basketball coach Shaka Smart on Wednesday ended speculation that he might take the open job at Illinois by announcing that he’ll stay with the Rams. The decision by the young coach was cause for celebration among VCU fans and disappointment for their Illini counterparts – Illinois’ search for a replacement for fired coach Bruce Weber has begun to resemble the search last year for a new football coach, when the school’s top choices reportedly turned down the Illini. VCU said in a news release that Smart’s $1.2 million contract will be adjusted, but provided no details. “There are great things to accomplish at VCU and I’m looking forward to building on the successes of our program and university,” Smart (pictured right) said. – AP