Kenny Smith: Unveiling The Career Of The "Jet" & UNC Legend
Could Kenny "The Jet" Smith's on-court brilliance have been ignited by a lesser-known star? The former University of North Carolina Tar Heel, whose career is etched in basketball history, credits Bobby Lewis, a standout from South Carolina State, with shaping him into the formidable shooter and ballhandler he became. This early influence offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of a player who would go on to electrify the game.
Smith's journey, from the streets of Queens, New York, to the hallowed courts of Chapel Hill, is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the mentorship of those who saw potential. His trajectory, marked by accolades and a memorable NBA career, began with formative experiences that would ultimately define his playing style. Kenny Smiths career sits right in the center of that stretch of basketball evolution. The narrative of Kenny Smiths early development, intertwined with the presence of Bobby Lewis, provides a compelling backdrop to a career marked by both individual brilliance and team success. This is a tale of two talents, one recognized and the other contributing to the foundation upon which greatness was built.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Smith |
| Nickname | "The Jet" |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York |
| High School | Archbishop Molloy High School |
| College | University of North Carolina |
| NBA Draft | 1987, 1st Round, 6th Overall (Sacramento Kings) |
| Playing Position | Guard |
| NBA Teams | Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic |
| Key Achievements |
|
| Significant Coaches | Dean Smith (UNC) |
| Notable Teammates |
|
| Current Role | Basketball Analyst (ESPN) |
| Reference | ESPN Player Bio |
Kenny Smith, who directed the Tar Heels machine from his guard spot, had fractured his wrist in late January, yet his impact remained undeniable. The narrative of Kenny Smiths early development, intertwined with the presence of Bobby Lewis, provides a compelling backdrop to a career marked by both individual brilliance and team success. His senior year was the inaugural season for the 19'9" three-point shot. Smith led the ACC with an impressive 87 three-pointers that year, showcasing an early mastery of the evolving game. Its interesting to remember that Assists had only been an official stat for 15 years or so at the time, so a focus on playmaking was a relatively new aspect to the game. The story of Kenny Smith is one of transformation and adaptability.
The accolades piled up quickly. Smith was named National Player of the Year in 1987 by both Basketball Times and The Sporting News, a testament to his dominance on the collegiate level. His jersey is honored at the Smith Center, a permanent recognition of his contributions to the University of North Carolina. The 1987 NBA Draft saw him selected by the Sacramento Kings as the 6th overall pick in the first round, further solidifying his ascent to professional basketball.
The list of teammates Smith played with is a who's who of basketball legends. Curtis Hunter, Dave Popson, Jeff Lebo, Joe Wolf, and J.R. are names that resonate with UNC fans. Smith played alongside some of the greatest players in basketball history, including Michael Jordan during his UNC days. Among them were several priceless tales of his freshman year at North Carolina, his relationships with coach Dean Smith and Michael Jordan. And, we were the no. 1 ranked recruiting class and we went over to Chapel Hill to play and after playing against Jordan, and those guys, we were clearly outmatched. The level of greatness garnered in the same gym is through the roof.
Now when the name Kenny Smith is heard around Chapel Hill, the reference will be to the son of the former UNC great. Kenny Smith Jr., or KJ, has joined the University of North Carolina basketball program, carrying on the legacy of his father.
The significance of Smith's influence went beyond the court. Smith's story is intertwined with those of Coach Dean Smith, the legendary UNC coach, and Michael Jordan, the global icon. The environment fostered at UNC, a place called Woolen Gym, helped to cultivate the talent that would eventually lead to a national championship, with a great basketball player at north carolina where she helped win a national championship over louisiana tech.
The "Jet" says MJ didn't have a handle in college. Kenny the Jet Smith explained why he chose to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels during his NCAA basketball career. Smith's willingness to credit others with his development, his respect for his coaches and teammates, and his continued commitment to the game are all hallmarks of a true champion.
The journey of Kenny Smith is a rich tapestry woven with threads of mentorship, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. His story transcends the game itself, inspiring generations with his talent, his drive, and his unwavering passion for basketball.
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