Pete Smith (basketball) facts for kids
Smith with the Valdosta State Blazers 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 professional basketball player from the United States. He was born in 1947 in Albany, Georgia. Pete grew up in the countryside of southern Georgia.
College Basketball Journey
Pete Smith first planned to play college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats. However, he decided to return to Georgia before playing any games. He missed being close to home.
Instead, Pete played for 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, Pete was a star player. He led the team in points scored. He also set new school records for the most shots attempted and the best average for rebounds.
Professional Career
After his impressive college season, Pete Smith was drafted into professional basketball. The Buffalo Braves picked him as the 197th player overall in the 1971 NBA draft.
Pete played five games in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He was a member of the San Diego Conquistadors during the 1972–73 season. He also spent time practicing with the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). However, he never played in an official NBA game. Before the 1975–76 season, he was one of the last players cut from the New York Nets ABA team.
Pete Smith also played four seasons in the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA). He played for several teams in this league. These teams included the Hartford Capitols, Cherry Hill Demons, Allentown Jets, and Wilkes-Barre Barons.
Life After Basketball
After retiring from basketball, Pete Smith worked as a truck driver in Atlanta. His son, Josh Smith, also became a professional basketball player. Josh played in the NBA, just like his father dreamed of doing.
