Thursday, March 5
Riverside, CA
9 p.m. (CT)
Abilene Christian
at
California Baptist
Photo by: Aly Bayliss
Smith Prepares to Lead ACU into Final Regular Season Games
3/4/2026 12:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball
When Rich Smith talks about basketball, his voice carries the weight of someone who's had to fight for every inch of progress. The senior point guard has seen his share of bus rides, early flights, and long nights in the gym, but this week at Abilene Christian feels different. It's the final week of the regular season, and the Wildcats are heading to California Baptist on Thursday before closing out at home against UT Arlington on Saturday — a stretch that will help decide their seeding for next week's Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Las Vegas.
For Smith, this last week isn't just about standings or statistics. It's about savoring the end of a chapter he's poured everything into.
"It's mixed emotions," Smith said. "I'm really sad basketball is coming to an end — my college career, at least. But it's a good feeling because I know how much work I put in and how far I came. I've never taken a rep off, so I can leave knowing I gave my all."
The Wildcats enter the week sitting sixth in the WAC, still within striking distance of climbing to a more favorable seed. With California Baptist fighting for a league title, Thursday's game, which tips at 9 p.m. CT, on the road presents the kind of challenge Smith embraces.
"We're going in there trying to spoil that for them," he said. "Why not crash the party? These aren't just two games before Vegas — we're still trying to get out of that play-in game and set ourselves up."
Belief in the Locker Room
The results haven't always matched the team's expectations, but Smith hasn't let that shake his confidence.
"I still think we're a first-place team, even if that's not what the results say," he said. "Everybody in that locker room believes. We have a verse — Mark 9:23 — 'All things are possible to those who believe.' We really believe we can make something happen."
That belief will be tested when the Wildcats arrive in Las Vegas for the WAC Tournament, where every game becomes a win-or-go-home scenario. For Smith, that pressure is exactly where he feels most comfortable.
"That's our habitat," he said. "I feel like we perform better when our back is against the wall. There's no pressure on us — nobody on the outside thinks we're gonna win. We're not going to Vegas for vacation. It's a business trip."
The Final Game at Moody
Saturday's home finale against UT Arlington will be the last time Smith, Bradyn Hubbard, Joseph Venzant, and Zy Wright suit up in Moody Coliseum. For Smith, who transferred to ACU from Division II St. Thomas Aquinas in the summer of 2024, it's a moment that feels both surreal and meaningful.
"It's crazy how much time flies," he said. "I came here as a junior not knowing anything — coming from D2 to D1 is a whole different vibe. There's more attention to detail, it's a lot more at this level. To see myself grow, to see my teammates and coaches grow, it's been a beautiful thing."
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats prepare for one final road trip before returning home, Smith's focus remains steady: one day, one game at a time.
"We're gonna focus on every team one at a time, every day, day by day," he said. "We know we play a really good team, and we're trying to spoil their chance at a league title."
Whatever happens over the next two weeks, Smith is at peace with how he'll walk away from ACU — head high, heart full, and nothing left in the tank.
"I know I went out with a bang," he said. "I gave my all."
This Week
ACU faces CBU in Riverside, Calif.at 9 p.m. CT on Thursday. A win, and a Southern Utah loss to Utah Valley, will lift the Wildcats to a tie for fifth place. The No. 6 and No. 7 seeded teams play each other on the opening day of the WAC Tournament, which would require a team to win four games in four days to be the champions. The No. 4 and No. 5 seeded teams play on day two, Thursday, March 12.
The Wildcats face UT Arlington for Senior Night on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Moody Coliseum. Smith, Hubbard, Venzant, and Wright will all be briefly recognized before the game.
For Smith, this last week isn't just about standings or statistics. It's about savoring the end of a chapter he's poured everything into.
"It's mixed emotions," Smith said. "I'm really sad basketball is coming to an end — my college career, at least. But it's a good feeling because I know how much work I put in and how far I came. I've never taken a rep off, so I can leave knowing I gave my all."
The Wildcats enter the week sitting sixth in the WAC, still within striking distance of climbing to a more favorable seed. With California Baptist fighting for a league title, Thursday's game, which tips at 9 p.m. CT, on the road presents the kind of challenge Smith embraces.
"We're going in there trying to spoil that for them," he said. "Why not crash the party? These aren't just two games before Vegas — we're still trying to get out of that play-in game and set ourselves up."
Belief in the Locker Room
The results haven't always matched the team's expectations, but Smith hasn't let that shake his confidence.
"I still think we're a first-place team, even if that's not what the results say," he said. "Everybody in that locker room believes. We have a verse — Mark 9:23 — 'All things are possible to those who believe.' We really believe we can make something happen."
That belief will be tested when the Wildcats arrive in Las Vegas for the WAC Tournament, where every game becomes a win-or-go-home scenario. For Smith, that pressure is exactly where he feels most comfortable.
"That's our habitat," he said. "I feel like we perform better when our back is against the wall. There's no pressure on us — nobody on the outside thinks we're gonna win. We're not going to Vegas for vacation. It's a business trip."
The Final Game at Moody
Saturday's home finale against UT Arlington will be the last time Smith, Bradyn Hubbard, Joseph Venzant, and Zy Wright suit up in Moody Coliseum. For Smith, who transferred to ACU from Division II St. Thomas Aquinas in the summer of 2024, it's a moment that feels both surreal and meaningful.
"It's crazy how much time flies," he said. "I came here as a junior not knowing anything — coming from D2 to D1 is a whole different vibe. There's more attention to detail, it's a lot more at this level. To see myself grow, to see my teammates and coaches grow, it's been a beautiful thing."
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats prepare for one final road trip before returning home, Smith's focus remains steady: one day, one game at a time.
"We're gonna focus on every team one at a time, every day, day by day," he said. "We know we play a really good team, and we're trying to spoil their chance at a league title."
Whatever happens over the next two weeks, Smith is at peace with how he'll walk away from ACU — head high, heart full, and nothing left in the tank.
"I know I went out with a bang," he said. "I gave my all."
This Week
ACU faces CBU in Riverside, Calif.at 9 p.m. CT on Thursday. A win, and a Southern Utah loss to Utah Valley, will lift the Wildcats to a tie for fifth place. The No. 6 and No. 7 seeded teams play each other on the opening day of the WAC Tournament, which would require a team to win four games in four days to be the champions. The No. 4 and No. 5 seeded teams play on day two, Thursday, March 12.
The Wildcats face UT Arlington for Senior Night on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Moody Coliseum. Smith, Hubbard, Venzant, and Wright will all be briefly recognized before the game.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
ACU Women's Basketball vs. California Baptist Promo Video
Tuesday, March 03
ACU Baseball: Rick McCarty Press Conference | March 2, 2026
Tuesday, March 03
ACU Softball: Jo Koons Press Conference | March 2, 2026
Monday, March 02
ACU Men's Basketball: Brette Tanner Press Conference | March 2, 2026
Monday, March 02
