Aaron Smith has been the director of Year Round Hoops for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock since the program’s inception in 2005. Prior to that he spent three years in the Corporate Sales department. He first joined The Palace of Auburn Hills in 2000 as a Camps & Clinics intern.

Through his School Assembly Fundraiser program, Aaron addresses school groups throughout the state, providing lessons that will make them champions on and off the court. “Coach Aaron” has certainly earned his nickname.

Aaron was raised in Troy, Mich., and attended Troy High School, where he played varsity basketball. Today, Aaron is an assistant coach under Troy varsity head coach Gary Fralick. Aaron also has been head coach of the boys’ junior varsity team since 2000.

Aaron attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. In his first two years in Ann Arbor, he was on the men’s basketball practice squad, playing against future NBA players Maurice Taylor and Robert “Tractor” Traylor while witnessing firsthand the daily operations of a major college basketball program.

Along with Mr. Fralick and former U-of-M assistant coach Jay Smith, Aaron counts Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and former Pistons head coach Larry Brown as his coaching mentors. His discussions with both Hall of Famers have given him an intimate view of the coaching profession from the prep, collegiate and professional ranks.

More About Coach Aaron:

Role Model: His parents, Robert and Beverly Smith

Sports Hero: Isiah Thomas

Favorite Book: Fab Five, by Mitch Albom

Favorite Movie: Rocky IV

Favorite Types of Music: Hip-hop, R&B and gospel

Favorite Food: Steak, medium well

Quote to live by: "Don't just talk about it...BE about it."