The current Celtics coach was asked to remember Smith, whom he coached at Butler from 2010-13, before Boston’s game Tuesday night against the Knicks in New York. He repeatedly fought back tears during his response.
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Smith and Stevens were part of several high-achieving Bulldog teams.
During their four seasons together, Butler compiled a 110-39 overall record, won the Horizon League Tournament championship in 2010, won a share of the conference regular-season title in 2011, twice went to the national championship game and went 11-3 in the NCAA Tournament.