Derek Smith (basketball) facts for kids
Smith, circa 1986
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1, 1961 Hogansville, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | August 9, 1996 (aged 34) On board MS Norwegian Dream |
| High school | Hogansville (Hogansville, Georgia) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Louisville (1978–1982) |
| NBA Draft | 1982 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall |
| Selected by the Golden State Warriors | |
| Pro career | 1982–1991 |
| Coaching career | 1994–1996 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1982–1983 | Golden State Warriors |
| 1983–1986 | San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers |
| 1986–1989 | Sacramento Kings |
| 1989–1990 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1990–1991 | Boston Celtics |
| As coach: | |
| 1994–1996 | Washington Bullets (assistant) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 5,232 (12.8 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,300 (3.2 rpg) |
| Assists | 866 (2.1 apg) |
Derek Ervin Smith (born November 1, 1961 – died August 9, 1996) was an American professional basketball player. He was a talented player who won a big national championship with the Louisville Cardinals team in 1980. Derek played for nine years in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His career was cut a bit short because of a knee injury. Later, he became an assistant coach for the Washington Bullets team. He coached from 1994 until he passed away.
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Playing Basketball: Derek Smith's Career
Derek went to the University of Louisville from 1979 to 1982. He was part of the amazing 1980 Louisville Cardinals basketball team. This team won the NCAA championship! They beat UCLA with a score of 59–54.
Some people say that Derek Smith helped make the "high five" popular. This happened during the 1979–80 basketball season.
Joining the NBA Teams
In the 1982 NBA draft, Derek was picked 35th overall. The Golden State Warriors chose him in the second round. After his first year, the Warriors let him go. He then became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.
The San Diego Clippers gave him a tryout. Derek impressed their coach, Jim Lynam. So, he signed a contract for the 1983–84 season. He played for the San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers from 1983 to 1986.
Highlights and Injuries
In the 1984–85 season, Derek scored an average of 22 points per game. The next season, he was doing even better. He averaged 23.5 points per game. However, a knee injury limited him to only 11 games. He also got sick with mononucleosis.
After the Clippers, he played for other NBA teams. He was with the Sacramento Kings from 1986 to 1989. Then he played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1989 and 1990. His last team was the Boston Celtics in 1991. During his time in the NBA, Derek scored over 5,000 points.
Becoming a Coach
In 1994, Derek Smith became an assistant coach. He joined the coaching staff for the Washington Bullets.
Derek Smith's Family Life
Derek was married to Monica. They had two children together. Their daughter is named Sydney, and their son is named Nolan.
Nolan followed in his father's footsteps. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. Later, Nolan was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Like Father, Like Son: NCAA Champions
In 2010, Nolan also made it to the NCAA D-I tournament. This was 30 years after his dad did the same thing. Nolan and his Duke Blue Devils team won the National Championship. This was just like Derek and his Louisville Cardinals team did in 1980. Nolan has a tattoo of his father on his right arm to honor him.
In April 2022, Nolan joined the coaching staff at his father's old college. This was the University of Louisville.
See also
- List of second-generation NBA players
