Karl Smesko has become synonymous with a unique style of offensive basketball over the past two decades at Florida Gulf Coast. He prioritizes efficiency to the nth degree and coaches his players to get the best possible shots, whether they are layups with an advantage, catch-and-shoot 3s, or anything uncontested from an optimal spot on the floor.
The Eagles categorize these baskets as “above the line” shots, or ATLs.
That moniker might already be spoken for at his next job, but the concept remains the same. On Wednesday, Smesko was named the Atlanta Dream’s new head coach. ATL meets “ATLs.” Arguably the most distinct offense in college basketball is coming to the WNBA, as Smesko gets to merge a historically successful system with elite athletes on the biggest stage.
“This, for me, is about getting a new challenge to get to work with the greatest women’s basketball players in the world,” he said.
WE HAVE OUR COACH! The Dream has hired Karl Smesko as our new Head Coach.
Learn More: https://t.co/SK8waTOvwc pic.twitter.com/et8bV0NsMt
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) November 13, 2024
Smesko, who has coached at FGCU since 2002, has long been regarded as one of the best college coaches in the country. His peers named him among the best X’s and O’s practitioners and…
