Kelly Graves says that former Oregon coach and player, Bev Smith, is the Larry Bird of Oregon women’s basketball.
Graves has reached out to Smith continuously this season for advice and to get acclimated to Eugene.
The first-year coach, who lives three blocks from Smith, says the two often get together for dinner or coffee, usually talking frequently.
“I think she’s terrific,” Graves said. “Any chance I get to pick her brain and learn about the history of the University, I do it.”
Smith was Graves’ first call when he got to Eugene, he recalled. She has served as a liaison between Graves and alumni, who are anxious to get involved with the transitioning program.
Smith was the coach at Oregon from 2001-2009 and played for the Ducks from 1980-1982. During her time as a coach, she had an 83-69 record. She currently holds the Oregon all-time rebounding record of 1,326. She ranks second all-time in points with 2,063.
“It’s been mostly his ability to reach out and I’ve really appreciated that, as have many of the alumni,” Smith said. “We’re all responding to Kelly’s leadership. I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
Smith knows that one of the best things she can offer Graves is to listen, as the two can relate to each other in many different ways. She says they can sort of “let their hair down” and recap.
She says she feels accepted by Graves and the team, even after her departure as coach.
“I certainly don’t have the answers, but I try to be as supportive of him as I can,” Smith said. “I think Kelly and his staff are very capable.”
This week, as Graves prepares for his first Pac-12 Tournament, he will surely call Smith. During her time, Oregon hosted the inaugural Pac-10 Tournament in 2002.
“She knows the culture, she’s so respected in the community,” Graves said. “People love her. She is revered and so for that reason, I wanted to reach out to her.”
She helped Graves find the cheapest dry cleaning and helped him find furniture for his new Eugene home. She’s happy to help out, in part, because she understands what Graves is going through.
Last week, Graves hosted an alumni event at his house. They welcomed former players to hear about the progress. Graves says it’s important for his players to network with former players and see who has come before them. Smith was there every step of the way, from planning to organization.
“Our alumni really enjoyed getting to know the players,” Graves said. “It was so valuable.”
Smith, the current executive director of KIDSPORTS, a youth sports program for pre-K through 12th graders in Eugene/Springfield community, usually sits court-side at Oregon women’s basketball games. Usually, directly across from the Oregon bench.
“Oregon is very special in my heart, it always has been,” Smith said.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne