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Coaches vs. Cancer: Shaka Smart shares what the tradition means to the Texas Longhorns

Coach Smart told KVUE how Andrew Jones' fight against leukemia gave him a different perspective on this yearly tradition.

AUSTIN, Texas — While we're used to seeing basketball coaches across the nation compete against each other – for one week every season – the top basketball minds in college hoops team up against cancer.

You may have noticed Texas head coach Shaka Smart and the other members of the Longhorns staff wearing sneakers on the sidelines. Coaches across the nation joined them in what the American Cancer Society calls "suits and sneakers week."

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It's college basketball's way of raising awareness for cancer prevention, screening, and early detection.

Coach Smart told KVUE how Andrew Jones' fight against leukemia gave him a different perspective on this yearly tradition.

"I'll never forget going to the dorm to tell our guys about that diagnosis and how powerfully it hit them," Smart said. "You know Andrew ... it's been an unbelievable story the way he's fought and battled his way all the way back to playing and being in school. So it's a success story, for sure."

Tune in this weekend to see a more in depth story from KVUE on Coaches vs. Cancer.

WATCH: Coaches vs. Cancer: Shaka Smart shares what the tradition means to the Texas Longhorns

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