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14 Northwest Arkansas Basketball Sunday, November 4, 2018 FORT SMITH — The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith administration didn't have to look far in finding replace- ment head coaches for the program's basketball teams. After both the men's and women's teams made the NCAA Division II tour- nament in the same season for the first time last year, the programs now turn to former players to keep the momentum going. Justin Bailey takes over to guide the Lions, while Tari Cummings will lead the Lady Lions. "(Director of Athletics) Curtis Janz has said when they went out to find two new head coaches they weren't purpose- ly trying to find two locals," Bailey said. "It just happened to be that way. It's a new era. It's an exciting time for Fort Smith. Both of us can't wait to get this started." B a i l e y i s a Fo r t S m i t h n a t ive and played basketball at Fort Smith Northside. He played two seasons (2005- 07) at UAFS and was later an assistant coach for four seasons under former coach Josh Newman. Bailey spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Lamar University. "I'm reminded daily this place is home," Bailey said. "Sometimes it will be just simple things I notice that are the exact same thing as it was when I played here. A lot of little things bring back memories for me." Cummings, a Pocola, Okla., native, played as a Lady Lion (1997-99) and was an assistant coach for four seasons under longtime coach Louis Whorton. Cum- mings, who is a member of the Lions Athletics Hall of Fame, was an assistant coach at Tulsa this past season. "When this job came open three years ago, I knew the timing wasn't right for me," Cummings said. "But when it came open this time, it was time to come home. This is everything coming full circle. It's a blessing and an honor to come back." Bailey takes over a Lions program that is coming off its most success- ful season in its nine-year history as a NCAA Division II program. UAFS was able to win a school-record 24 games, was the co-champions of the Heartland Conference and earned a bid to the NCAA tournament for a second con- secutive season. Cummings now guides the Lady Li- ons after the team was able to make the NCAA tournament for a second time in program history after finishing run- ner-up in both the Heartland Conference regular season and postseason tourna- ment. The Lions, picked fifth in the presea- son conference poll, return just two play- ers from last season's squad in senior Chris Crawford and junior Seth Hawley, who played at Fort Smith Southside. "It's a new, fresh start for them," Bai- ley said. "Crawford saw some key min- utes and Seth saw some spot minutes last season. I'm really proud of both of these guys. They have been working hard. We are going to be leaning on them to have big seasons because they've played in this conference before." The incoming transfer recruiting class of Tyler Williams, Da'Korey Somerville, Matt Morgan and Kei'Shon Parker along with a seven-man freshman class will look to make an impact right away. "We are still trying to find our nucle- us," Bailey said. "But I think we have a good bunch. They play hard and work hard. This will be an exciting season for us." HAROLD MCILVAIN II SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Familiar faces return to sideline for Lions Tari Cummings UAFS SPORTS INFORMATION Arkansas-Fort Smith guard Seth Hawley dribbles up the court at Stubblefield Arena in Fort Smith. Justin Bailey UAFS SPORTS INFORMATION Arkansas-Fort Smith senior guard Chris Crawford drives through the lane at Stubblefield Arena in Fort Smith. "I'm reminded daily this place is home. Sometimes it will be just simple things I notice that are the exact same thing as it was when I played here. A lot of little things bring back memories for me." — University of Arkansas-Fort Smith men's basketball coach Justin Bailey v Continued on next page