Will Shaka Smart remain a Richmonder?

Or will he be shopping for a Stetson and cowboy boots in the near future?

Kidding aside, Smart was still very much the basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University at Free Press press time on Wednesday.

It was widely reported that Smart — with a 163-56 record in six seasons at VCU — was in talks earlier this week with University of Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson. Multiple reports indicate Texas is offering Smart a five-year deal worth $14 million in base salary with possible incentives.

UT’s vacancy was created when Longhorns Coach Rick Barnes was dismissed last weekend.

The 37-year-old Smart has a base salary of $1.57 million per year at VCU, with the possibility of $695,750 in incentive bonuses.

In 2013, Smart signed a 10-year contract with VCU extending to 2023.

Barnes’ base salary at Texas this past season was $2.55 million, with a $125,000 NCAA bonus. Barnes’ salary was reported as the 11th highest among NCAA coaches, according to USA Today.

The Big 12 Conference Longhorns have gone to the NCAA basketball tournament in 16 of 17 seasons under Barnes, including a Final Four appearance in 2003.

Barnes’ contract called for a $1.75 million severance package. Since leaving Austin, he has been hired by the University of Tennessee under a six-year contract paying $2.25 million per year.

“Shaka Watch” is becoming a common occurrence at VCU. In previous years, Smart has been courted by North Carolina State, Maryland, Minnesota, Illinois, UCLA and Marquette.

On each occasion, he has rejected potentially higher paying, higher profile jobs.

His Rams won the Atlantic 10 Tournament this year and finished 26-10 following a first round NCAA loss to Ohio State.

Under Smart, VCU has been a NCAA qualifier for five straight years, advancing to the Final Four in 2011.

Also under Smart, Rams hoops have become the hottest ticket in town. VCU has enjoyed 66 straight Siegel Center sellouts.