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Saul Smith Returns to Columbus

October 28, 2002 - NBA G League (G League)
Columbus Riverdragons News Release


Saul Smith has developed a knack for playing his best basketball in the month of March. That's not a bad habit to have as the son of Tubby Smith, head coach at the University of Kentucky – where basketball is king and March Madness a month-long hardwood version of Mardi Gras.

During his four seasons (1997-98 – 2000-01) at UK, the Wildcats point guard played on three SEC championship teams and made the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament three times - tipping off his college career with an NCAA title in 1998. For Saul Smith, March Madness has become a regular state of mind.

And so like clockwork it was last March that Smith backed up his late season collegiate success with just a month to play in his rookie campaign with the Columbus Riverdragons of the National Basketball Development League. Taking advantage of a dramatic increase in playing time at the point, Smith averaged 8.6 ppg, 3.1 apg over 17.6 minutes in March 2002, coming close to doubling his season averages in each of those statistical categories. Smith also developed into one of the D League's most reliable 3-point shooters, knocking down a blistering 52.4% (11-of-21 3-FGA's) from beyond the arc in March, good enough to finish the season ranked third in the NBDL in 3-point field goal accuracy (.425). March! Good to see you!

On March 23, Smith's first year odyssey in the NBDL came full circle against the Mobile Revelers in the Riverdragons last game of their inaugural regular season. The 6-foot-2 guard proceeded to dish a season-high tying six assists in the first and only start of his rookie season as the Riverdragons staged a 95-92 victory to clinch third place and the third seed in 2002 NBDL Playoffs.

Smith went on to be nominated for NBDL Player-of-the-Month honors and continued to contribute in the playoffs until the Riverdragons were eliminated, falling two points shy in the NBDL Semifinals to the eventual NBDL champion Greenville Groove.

The close of the 2001-02 season was without question a good start for Smith but that was then and this now. Smith has re-signed with the NBDL and will report to Columbus on Monday to settle in and run though a couple workouts with head coach Jeff Malone before the Riverdragons open training camp this Sunday.

Smith's patience throughout his rookie season coupled with his eye-opening performance in March has put the Columbus fan favorite in a more than reasonable position to begin receiving legitimate consideration as a future NBA player. That said, Smith's mantra as he heads into his second season with the Riverdragons season promises to be the same as always: Team first. Me second.

"I'm a team guy," said Smith. "My first expectation is to win the NBDL championship. If that happens then I'm sure the individual honors will come. That's the way I've been raised. I want to be a leader. I want to be the guy who makes decisions to win ball games. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to do that on every level to this point and I look forward to doing that as a pro."

Fortunate perhaps, lackadaisical never. Smith took little time to rest on any laurels this summer and immediately got to work back home in Lexington. Smith turned down an offer from the Houston Rockets to play on their summer league team in order to focus instead on improving his individual skills in a controlled yet intense environment.

In between the classes he took towards earning his masters degree in international economics, Smith and former UK teammate and current Atlanta Hawks center Nazr Mohammed worked out six days-a-week with fitness guru Drew Logan – the personal trainer for NBA vets Tony Delk and Ron Mercer.

The slender Smith, who has always had trouble keeping on weight, was able to pack on 15 pounds of muscle by summer's end. Smith put his hard-earned strength to work in practice spending a good portion of his time taking it to the basket against the 7-foot Mohammed in a concentrated effort to add a strong finish to his offensive arsenal.

"You're never good enough – that's the way I look at it," said Smith. "I always want to improve my shooting. The big thing in the pros is you will get your shots and you need to be comfortable when your number is called. In college there is no double-teaming or defensive spacing like in the pro game. Over the summer my trainer threw me countless passes to work on my shooting off the pass and on the move."

Smith's commitment to getting better has already paid off. He earned MVP honors at the prestigious KBA Select Summer League in Lexington, featuring former and current players from the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and other regional schools - including former Wildcat and workout partner Nazr Mohammed.

"Saul had a great summer," said Mohammed. "He was in the weight room, got stronger and threw on some pounds. His shot looked very good; he pretty much didn't miss when he was open. He worked very hard this summer and I think its going to show this year."

Mohammed is not alone in showing optimism for Smith's second season as a pro. Riverdragons head coach Jeff Malone, who made a trip to Lexington to check on Smith's progress over the break, is prepared to give his point guard the chance to display his skills on a regular basis in 2002-03.

"I've seen what he did this summer," said Malone. "I know he's going to be ready to push for a starting role or big role off the bench this year. By the time March last season had come around, Saul had carved out a role as a major contributor on the floor. I look forward to him building off that momentum this season."

Along with Smith's perseverance and work ethic, Malone has also been impressed with Smith's ability to act like a coach on and off the floor. Smith's maturity and knowledge of the game could lead to more responsibility for the second year pro in Columbus this season.

"Saul is a great team guy and that means a lot when it comes to basketball," said Malone. "He's a winner with excellent leadership qualities who could be my captain this season. He has a great opportunity to play major minutes this season whether he starts or not."

It is of little surprise where Smith developed his keen sense and deep understanding of the game of basketball. The son of UK head coach Tubby Smith dissects a game like his father would – the difference being Saul can put his instincts to use immediately with the ball so often in his hands.

"Saul can actually see what is going on and explain it to his teammates in the midst of a play," said Coach Smith, who attended a handful of Riverdragons games to see his son play over the course of last season. "He called his own plays senior year at Kentucky. He is as perceptive and smart a player as I've ever been around. His style is not to be a "Rah! Rah!" kind of guy but he's genuinely loves the game and the atmosphere that's the kind of player you want on your team."

Ultimately both father and son have their sights set on Saul getting a shot in the NBA. As a coach himself, the elder Smith appreciates the kind of tutoring and attention his son has received from a 13-year NBA veteran like Jeff Malone.

"Certainly the long range goal is for Saul to earn an opportunity to play in the NBA," said Coach Smith. Coach Malone and Coach Werdann have done an excellent job of getting him ready to make that step to the next level."

Saul agrees he – like most in the D League – would like a shot to realize his NBA dreams. However, the future lawyer – Smith has plans to attend law school following his playing career – isn't going to let expectations and possibilities cloud his passion to play this game nor hamper his reputation as the hardest worker on the floor day in, day out.

"I truly believe my NBA dream is within my grasp," said Smith. "Every team we contacted this summer told us that they like the way I play, they appreciate that I have my head on straight, and understand that I know how to make the right decisions on the basketball court. But hey, I don't cry at night if they don't call me. My goal has always been to give it my all. I want to be known as the guy who worked as hard as he could and tried as hard as he could. That's why I'm still playing."

...And the folks in Columbus – coaches and fans alike – couldn't be happier.

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