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Former DSU basketball player Smith playing for Germany
May 9, 2011
By Ariy-El Boynton, Madison Daily Leader Sports Editor
Former Dakota State University basketball player Everett Smith has traveled the world following his dream of playing in the NBA.
The Atlanta native had six D-I schools - Alabama A & M, Georgia State, Furman, Western Carolina, South Alabama and Seton Hall - offer him a scholarship before he graduated from Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville, Ga.
Smith signed on to play at Alabama A & M and was doing well his freshman year, until he tore his groin. After losing his spot at Alabama A & M, Smith transferred to Southwestern Oregon Community College.
Later, he made the choice to transfer to Humboldt State University in California. In Smith's junior year, the Lumberjacks won their conference and advanced to the national tournament, which Smith calls the highlight of his collegiate career.
After suffering a leg injury in California, DSU Coach Gary Garner convinced Smith to come to Madison. Smith agreed, and he led the Trojans in points, assists and steals per game as a senior.
In the 2010-11 season, the 6'5", 195-pound guard/forward player for Hannover Korbjaeger, a professional tam in Hannover, Germany. Smith nearly scored 20 points per game (19.8) and recorded 7.2 rebounds and 5.5 steals a game in his first year.
"Playing professionally is a dream come true for me, it has been a great experience and I took full advantage of it," he said.
Competing overseas, in a different culture and with a unique playing style, still been has an adjustment for the well-traveled player.
"It's totally different game than playing college. The shot clock is shorter, the court is more spread out, the players are bigger, faster, stronger; and it's your life," Smith said. "You are paid to play basketball and work on your body so it's basketball all day, every day."
He would like to play in the NBA and/or the Euroleague, which features the best teams in Europe.
"Those are the two best leagues in the world, and I want to play in both. I will achieve this goal by keeping God first, believing in myself, working hard every day and sacrificing," said Smith. "It's a formula that has always worked for me."
His travels have taken him to both U.S. coasts and overseas. Even with several tough injuries Smith is proud of what he has done thus far.
"The thing I have learned about myself going through this process is that I am resilient. I wasn't going to let anything or anyone get in my way of making my dreams come true," said Smith. "I had a goal, and no matter what obstacle or setback came my way, I found a way to keep moving forward."
Smith said that he has learned to love bratwurst while living in Germany.
