By Vangelis Patas / info@eurohoops.net
He was an NCAA champ in 2013 with Luisville and led Galatasaray almost to the win with 29 points in an amazing game in Athens against AEK. Russ Smith couldn’t win the game at the end with 4 seconds left at the clock – or to be exact he didn’t get the call despite a lot of contact in his drive – but this doesn’t change the facts.
Smith who averaged 27,8 ppg in the NBADL, has the tools to be a devastating offensive force in Europe. When Eurohoops told him this, he smiled: “It would be very good if there is continuity from last season. Generally I try to improve myself and work hard to adapt as quickly as possible. I watch several videos and talk to the coaching staff and my teammates have a lot of experience from Europe. My game against AEK was the result of the help I got”.
And that’s why playing in Europe was the right choice for him, as Smith confirms: “It was an easy decision for me. I wanted to play in the Euroleague, in a high level competition. I was two years in the NBA and did quite well in the minutes I got and also in the summer leagues. I did not, however, had a really good chance to show what I can do in the NBA and that is why I decided to come in the Euroleague. My goal is to show my real abilities and to help my team ”
Naturally the NBA remains in his mind … “Of course, if I get the chance through Galatasaray to return to the NBA I will. For now, however, I love being a part of this team and I am here to do what I love, playing basketball ”