Pete Smith (basketball) facts for kids
Smith with the Valdosta State Rebels during the 1968–69 season
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 (age 77–78) Albany, Georgia, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Valdosta State (1968–1969) |
| NBA Draft | 1971 / Round: 13 / Pick: 197th overall |
| Selected by the Buffalo Braves | |
| Pro career | 1970–1976 |
| Career history | |
| 1970–1971 | Hartford Capitols |
| 1971–1972 | Cherry Hill Demons |
| 1972 | San Diego Conquistadors |
| 1974–1975 | Allentown Jets |
| 1975–1976 | Wilkes-Barre Barons |
Pete Smith is a former American professional basketball player. He was born in 1947. Smith played basketball in college and then professionally for several teams.
Contents
Early Life and College Basketball
Pete Smith was born in Albany, Georgia. He grew up in the countryside of southern Georgia. He first planned to play college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats. However, he missed home and returned to Georgia before playing any games there.
Playing for Valdosta State
Instead, Smith joined the Valdosta State Blazers. He made history there as the first Black athlete to play for the school. During his only season with the Blazers, he was a star player. He scored the most points on the team. He also set school records for the most shots attempted and the best average for rebounds.
Professional Basketball Career
After college, Pete Smith was chosen in the 1971 NBA draft. The Buffalo Braves picked him as the 197th player overall. This was a big step towards his professional career.
Playing in the ABA
Smith played five games in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He was a member of the San Diego Conquistadors during the 1972–73 season. The ABA was a professional basketball league that existed alongside the National Basketball Association (NBA) for a while.
Other Teams and Leagues
Pete Smith also spent time with NBA teams like the Atlanta Hawks in training camp. However, he never played in an official NBA game. He also played four seasons in the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA). He played for teams such as the Hartford Capitols, Cherry Hill Demons, Allentown Jets, and Wilkes-Barre Barons.
Life After Basketball
After he stopped playing basketball professionally, Pete Smith worked as a truck driver in Atlanta. His son, Josh Smith, also became a professional basketball player in the NBA.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from
- nasljerseys.com
