Introduction to Stevin Smith
Stevin Smith was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Richard and Toni Smith on October 25, 1975. He was a 6’2″ point guard who played for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks from 1994-1998, where he was known for his outstanding scoring ability and leadership skills. He was the first Razorback to be named the National Player of the Year in 1998 and was also selected to the All-SEC team in all four of his years at Arkansas. After college, Smith was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in the 1998 NBA Draft, but he never actually made it to the NBA.
Stevin Smith’s Early Life and Education
Smith attended Fort Smith High School in Arkansas, where he started to make a name for himself as a basketball player. He was a three-time All-State selection and was named the Arkansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 1994. Smith was heavily recruited by college basketball programs, but ultimately chose to stay close to home and attend the University of Arkansas.
At Arkansas, Smith had an immediate impact on the program. He was a four-year starter and led the Razorbacks to the NCAA tournament three times, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1998. Smith was a two-time SEC Player of the Year, and was named the National Player of the Year in 1998. He was also selected to the All-SEC team in all four of his seasons at Arkansas.
Stevin Smith’s NBA Journey
Despite his impressive college career, Smith went undrafted in the 1998 NBA Draft. He signed with the Seattle SuperSonics as a free agent, but he was unable to make the team’s final roster. He then played for the CBA’s Quad City Thunder and the USBL’s Arkansas RimRockers, before spending the 1999-2000 season in the International Basketball League (IBL).
In 2000, Smith was invited to the Dallas Mavericks’ training camp, but he was unable to make the team’s final roster. He then moved to Europe, where he played in France, Italy, and Greece until his retirement in 2006.
Stevin Smith’s Legacy
Despite never making it to the NBA, Smith is still remembered as one of the best players to ever come out of the University of Arkansas. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2013 and his jersey was retired by the university in 2015. He is also remembered for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with the Stevin Smith Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Why Stevin Smith Didn’t Make the NBA
There are several factors that can explain why Smith was unable to make it to the NBA. Firstly, he was considered undersized for the point guard position at 6’2″. This likely played a role in him going undrafted in 1998, as he was seen as too small to match up against the bigger and more athletic NBA guards of the time.
Secondly, Smith was known for his scoring ability and was not as adept at other aspects of the game, such as passing and defense. This likely played a role in him not making the cut for NBA teams, as he was seen as a one-dimensional player.
Finally, Smith was known for having a bit of an attitude issue. He was known to be outspoken and had several run-ins with coaches and teammates throughout his career. This likely played a role in NBA teams not wanting to take a chance on him.
What Stevin Smith is Doing Now
Smith is currently living in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he runs his own basketball training program, Stevin Smith Basketball. He works with young basketball players, providing them with basketball skills and life advice. Smith also owns a clothing line, called Stevin Smith Clothing, which sells apparel with his logo on it.
Conclusion
Despite having an impressive college career, Stevin Smith was unable to make the NBA due to a combination of factors, such as his size, his lack of other skills, and his attitude issues. However, Smith has still made a name for himself in the basketball world, as he is remembered as one of the best players to ever come out of the University of Arkansas. He is now using his experience and knowledge to help the next generation of players reach their potential.
FAQs
Did Stevin Smith ever make the NBA?
No, Stevin Smith never made the NBA. He was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in the 1998 NBA Draft, but he was unable to make the team’s final roster.
What is Stevin Smith doing now?
Stevin Smith is currently living in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he runs his own basketball training program, Stevin Smith Basketball. He also owns a clothing line, called Stevin Smith Clothing.
What did Stevin Smith do in college?
Stevin Smith was a four-year starter at the University of Arkansas, where he led the Razorbacks to the NCAA tournament three times, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1998. He was a two-time SEC Player of the Year, and was named the National Player of the Year in 1998.
What factors led to Stevin Smith not making the NBA?
There are several factors that led to Stevin Smith not making the NBA. Firstly, he was considered undersized for the point guard position at 6’2″. Secondly, Smith was known for his scoring ability and was not as adept at other aspects of the game, such as passing and defense. Finally, Smith was known for having a bit of an attitude issue, which likely played a role in NBA teams not wanting to take a chance on him.