Nolan Smith facts for kids
Smith with the Duke Blue Devils in 2011
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| Memphis Tigers | |
|---|---|
| Assistant coach | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | July 25, 1988 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| High school |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Duke (2007–2011) |
| NBA Draft | 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall |
| Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers | |
| Pro career | 2011–2015 |
| Coaching career | 2021–present |
| League | American Athletic Conference |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 2011–2013 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2013 | →Idaho Stampede |
| 2013–2014 | Cedevita Zagreb |
| 2014 | Galatasaray |
| 2014–2015 | Delaware 87ers |
| As coach: | |
| 2016–2022 | Duke (assistant) |
| 2022–2024 | Louisville (assistant) |
| 2024–present | Memphis (assistant) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Nolan Derek Smith (born July 25, 1988) is an American former professional basketball player. He is currently an assistant coach for the Memphis Tigers. Nolan played college basketball for Duke University. After college, he was picked 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA draft. As a junior, he helped Duke win the national championship in 2010. In his senior year, he was named an All-American and the ACC Player of the Year.
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Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Nolan Smith was born on July 25, 1988. His father, Derek Smith, was a former NBA player. When Nolan was a child, he often went to basketball practices with his dad. His father became an assistant coach for the Washington Bullets in 1994.
Sadly, Nolan's father passed away in 1996. After this, the Bullets often invited Nolan to their home games. This helped him stay connected to the sport his father loved.
High School Basketball Career
Nolan started playing varsity basketball in eighth grade. He played for The Key School in Maryland. In 2003, he moved to St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C. There, he showed his skills, averaging over 10 points per game.
For his sophomore year, Nolan attended Riverdale Baptist School. He continued to excel, helping his team achieve an impressive 33–1 record. He averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.
Nolan spent his junior and senior years at Oak Hill Academy. This school is famous for its basketball program. He was a team captain for two years. He played alongside future NBA stars like Michael Beasley, Ty Lawson, and Brandon Jennings. In his junior year, Oak Hill had a 40–1 record. In his senior year, he led his team to another 40–1 record. He averaged 22.1 points per game. Nolan was recognized as a McDonald's All-American in 2007.
In November 2006, Nolan decided to play college basketball for Duke University.
College Basketball at Duke
Nolan Smith played for the Duke Blue Devils from 2007 to 2011. He became a key player for the team.
Freshman Year Success
As a freshman in 2007–08, Nolan played in all 34 games. He scored in double figures six times. His highest score was 21 points in one game.
Sophomore Year Progress
In his sophomore year (2008–09), Nolan started 21 games. He averaged 8.4 points per game. He scored 16 points in a game against Michigan.
Junior Year: National Champion
During his junior year (2009–10), Nolan became a full-time starter. He averaged 17.4 points per game. He was a big part of Duke's success.
On March 28, 2010, Nolan scored a career-high 29 points. This helped Duke win an Elite Eight game and reach the Final Four. Nolan, along with teammates Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler, each scored over 600 points that season. This was a rare achievement for Duke players.
Nolan helped lead Duke to win the NCAA championship. He was named to the NCAA All-Final Four team.
Senior Year: ACC Player of the Year
In his senior year (2010–11), Nolan was outstanding. He started 37 games and averaged 20.6 points per game. He was named the ACC Player of the Year. He was also chosen for the All-ACC First Team.
On February 9, 2011, Nolan scored a new career high of 34 points. This happened in a home game against North Carolina. Nolan was a team captain that year. His teammates looked up to him because of his passion and energy. He was one of only nine players under coach Mike Krzyzewski to average over 20 points per game.
Professional Basketball Career
After a great college career, Nolan Smith entered the NBA draft.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers picked Nolan Smith as the 21st overall player in the 2011 NBA draft. He signed his first NBA contract on December 9, 2011. In his rookie season, he played 44 games. He averaged 3.8 points per game.
In July 2012, Nolan played in the NBA Summer League. He had to leave early after getting hit in the head during a game. He was taken to the hospital but was released later that day. In January 2013, he also played a few games for the Idaho Stampede in the NBA Development League.
Playing Overseas
In July 2013, Nolan played for the Boston Celtics in the Summer League. On August 18, 2013, he signed a one-year contract with Cedevita Zagreb in Croatia. He became well-known there for hitting a game-winning shot. This shot helped his team reach the 2014–15 Euroleague, a major European basketball competition.
In July 2014, Nolan played for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Summer League. Later, he signed with Galatasaray Liv Hospital in Turkey. He played briefly for them before leaving the team in October 2014.
After his time in Turkey, Nolan returned to the NBA Development League. He was acquired by the Delaware 87ers in November 2014. He played for them until January 2015.
Coaching Career
After his playing career, Nolan Smith moved into coaching. On February 22, 2016, he joined the Duke Blue Devils coaching staff. He started as a special assistant. Over the years, he was promoted to director of basketball operations. In April 2021, he became an assistant coach for Duke.
On April 4, 2022, Nolan joined the Louisville Cardinals coaching staff. His father, Derek Smith, had played for Louisville and was part of their 1980 championship team.
In September 2024, Nolan became an assistant coach for the Memphis Tigers.
Personal Life
Nolan Smith is the son of Monica Smith and the late Derek Smith. He has an older sister named Sydney. His father was a college basketball star at Louisville and played nine years in the NBA. Derek Smith passed away from a heart attack at age 34.
Nolan has a tattoo on his right arm. It shows his father's face and the words: "Forever Watching." This tattoo is a tribute to his dad. Nolan is married to Cheyna Elliott. They got married in 2017 and have two children, Camryn and Derek "Deuce."
See also
In Spanish: Nolan Smith para niños
- 2009–10 Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team
- List of second-generation NBA players
