Simeon (Chicago) head coach Robert Smith plans to retire following the 2022-23 season after one of the most successful high school basketball runs in state history, according to the
Chicago Sun Times.
"I want to spend more time with my kids. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. I've spent the last 24 years giving all my attention to other people's kids," Smith told Michael O'Brien of the Chicago Sun Times.
Smith, 50, took over the helm at Simeon prior to the 2004-05 season, making his debut the same year as Derrick Rose. He led the program to new heights, beginning with to back-to-back Class AA state championships led by Rose in 2006 and 2007.
The next highly-regarded prospect to play under Smith was Jabari Parker, who captured four consecutive Class 4A state titles while earning MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors in 2013.
Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Simeon never had a losing season during Smith's tenure as Smith amassed a record of 480-92 with six state championships and seven Public League titles in 18 seasons. The Wolverines also finished the season ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 four times – No. 9 in 2011, No. 4 in 2012, No. 3 in 2013 and No. 22 in 2018.
Smith, who is also Simeon's athletic director, hands the job over to his assistant coach and former player Tim Flowers, who will begin his tenure during the 2023-24 season.
Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game.
File Photo by Kirsten Stickney
