Sam Smith (basketball, born 1943) facts for kids

Samuel Chestley Smith Sr. (born January 27, 1943 – died May 18, 2022) was an American professional basketball player. He played for four seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Sam Smith was known for being one of the first three African American basketball players at the University of Louisville. He later helped Kentucky Wesleyan College win its first NCAA Division II championship in 1966.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Sam Smith was born in Welch, West Virginia, on January 27, 1943. He later moved to Hazard, Kentucky. There, he went to Hazard High School. He played both American football and basketball in high school. In 1962, he was chosen for the state's high school basketball All-Star team. They played against the Indiana All-Stars.

Later that year, he joined the University of Louisville. Coach Bernard Hickman recruited him, along with Wade Houston and Eddie Whitehead. These three players made history. They became the first black basketball players at the University of Louisville. They were also the first at a mostly white university in Kentucky. Sam Smith was the first of the three to start a game for the Louisville Cardinals.

College Basketball Career

During his second year at Louisville, Sam Smith played on the main team. He scored an average of 9.2 points per game (PPG). He was the team's top scorer that season. However, he had to leave the team in February 1964 because of his grades. He said Louisville was "too big for him."

He then moved to Kentucky Wesleyan College. There, he teamed up with Dallas Thornton and George Tinsley. Together, they led the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers to a big win. They won the NCAA Division II championship in 1966. This was the first of many titles for the school. In the final seconds of the championship game, Sam Smith made a layup. This shot broke a 51–51 tie and gave the Panthers the win. He scored over 20 points in that game. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Sam Smith was chosen as an All-American twice during his college career. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player for the All-NCAA South Region twice. In 1967, he was part of the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. He finished his college career with 1,102 total points and 714 rebounds. In 1967, the Cincinnati Royals picked him in the third round of the 1967 NBA draft. He later signed with the Minnesota Muskies in the American Basketball Association (ABA).

Professional Basketball Career

Sam Smith played his first ABA game with the Minnesota Muskies on October 22, 1967. He scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in that game. After one season, he joined the Kentucky Colonels in 1968. During the 1969–70 season, he was one of the top players in the league for offensive rebounds. He also had a high number of total rebounds and rebounds per game.

Later, during the 1970–71 season, he was traded to the Utah Stars. This meant he played less in the playoffs. He played only one game in each of the Stars' three playoff series. The Utah Stars went on to win the championship that year. They beat the Colonels in seven games. This was Sam Smith's last time playing in the ABA. Over his four seasons in the ABA, he averaged 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Life After Basketball

After his professional basketball career, Sam Smith returned to Owensboro, Kentucky. He continued to play basketball for fun. He also lived in Indianapolis. In 2013, he was part of the first group of people to be added to the Panthers Athletic Hall of Fame. He was honored alongside Dallas Thornton and George Tinsley. Fans also voted him onto the Panthers All-Century team.

Family Life

Sam Smith was married to Helen Ruth Smith for 56 years. They had two children, Samuel Jr. and Felicia ("Nikki"). Sadly, Felicia passed away before him.

Sam Smith died on May 18, 2022, when he was 79 years old. His funeral was held ten days later at a Catholic church near Indianapolis.

See also

In Spanish: Sam Smith (baloncestista de 1944) para niños