Punahou calls on Smith

Former University of Hawai’i and Kalaheo High School standout Alika Smith has been named boys basketball coach at Punahou, Buffanblu associate athletic director Kale Ane announced yesterday.

Smith, 33, will take over for Dan Hale, who stepped down last month after three years at the helm, including a state championship season in 2008.

“It’s a great opportunity to coach at such a prestigious school, and I’m up for the challenge,” Smith said. “And talking with the administration, they’re going to be at my side with support. That’s the feeling I got.”

Ane, who was part of a nine-member selection committee that included faculty/athletic department staff, deans, alumni and one parent, said Smith was one of “nine or 10” finalists who were interviewed.

Candidates included Mainland applicants.

“Everything (Smith) said demonstrated a potential to be a great coach,” Ane said. “We thought he could bring a good balance of competitiveness and player relationships. He loves basketball, he has a passion for it.”

Smith was boys varsity head coach at Academy of the Pacific the past two seasons. Prior to that he was an assistant for two seasons under Riley Wallace at UH, where he was responsible for the scout team and breaking down opponent game film.