The 2021-22 season is Ryne Smith’s first season as a part of the Mercer Bears men’s basketball program.  
 
Smith joins the staff from the University of the Incarnate Word, where he served for two years as an Assistant Coach. Smith continued to help develop student-athletes’ performances as well, highlighted by tying a program record 30.5% 3-point field goal defense and Keaston Willis earning All-Conference second team, All-Academic second team, and NABC All-District first team accolades 
 
Prior to his time at UIW, Smith spent two years as the Director of Basketball Operations for Miami University. Before joining the staff at Miami, he spent 4 seasons as a varsity head coach at the high school level in the state of Indiana.  
 
Smith was a four-year letter-winner for Purdue from 2008-12. He saw increased playing time each season, and, as a senior, he appeared in 35 games, making 32 starts. He made 89 three-point field goals, which ranked third on the Boilermakers’ single-season chart. After completing his eligibility, Smith spent the 2012-13 season as a student-assistant coach under Painter and Owens, helping put together game plans and scouting reports.