Nicke and Gerald Smith embracing after a state championship win. Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD.
Three Dallas ISD boys basketball teams brought home state championship titles earlier this month. Two of the coaches happen to be brothers.
Justin F. Kimball High School head boys basketball coach Nicke Smith has brought home three state wins over the years, with this year’s win marking the 10th state championship in the program’s history. At some of those games he had his younger brother, Gerald Smith, by his side as an assistant coach.
Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, both brothers grew to have a love for basketball.
“I fell in love with basketball in 1980, watching NBA games with my dad. And got a chance to play in high school and college,” Nicke said. “Didn’t think I would coach out of college, but in 2000, I was a coach here in Dallas ISD at a middle school, and I went and volunteered and helped coach at Brian Adams High School with the varsity team. I wanted to get into high school, and the coach let me coach a varsity game and I won it, and that’s when I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Watching his older brother coach in Dallas ISD is what inspired him to coach, too, Gerald said. He joined Nicke as an assistant coach right after college graduation, up until 2024 when he transitioned into his first head coach position with James Madison High School.
This year, the brothers not only got to play in the state championship with their respective teams, but both walked away victorious, a particularly meaningful achievement.
“It’s kind of a moment that when you look back on it, it’s very special for us, especially as brothers and our passion for working with kids winning the state championship,” Gerald said.
Leading up to the final games, the brothers supported each other when they could, from texts of encouragement to cheering on the team just a bench behind.
“I wanted him to win. And once that happened, my mind was at ease, and I could kind of focus on what I needed to do … I was more nervous for him, but I’m glad it worked out. And the feeling was just unbelievable,” Nicke said. “And being able to play on the same day (as) brothers, and then also having our mother there to witness it, it was amazing.”
Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD.
Now that the season has come to a close, both brothers are focusing on continuing to support others, as they have supported each other throughout the season.
“I want to do what my brother has done,” Gerald said. “I want to make sure that my champion coaches are being promoted to possibly get head coaching jobs and start interviewing for those jobs that are available within the district. Keep the legacy going here.”
Nicke added that with six seniors on his team, he wants to continue to build kids with good character and get them into college.
“My main goal is to try to help these boys continue to fulfill their dreams and play at the next level,” he said. “And if that’ll pay for their education. If the scholarship will get them an education, then we’re going to keep pushing them that way.”
