Where is jr smith now

Overview

JR Smith, born Earl Joseph Smith III on September 9, 1985, is a former professional basketball player who transitioned to collegiate golf after retiring from the NBA. He played 16 seasons in the league from 2004 to 2020, known for his scoring ability and three-point shooting, with career averages of 12.4 points per game and a 37.3% three-point percentage. Smith was drafted 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004 and later played for teams like the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

His post-NBA career began in 2021 when he enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University to join their golf team as a walk-on. This move made him one of the oldest NCAA athletes at age 35, leveraging the NCAA's eligibility rules that allow athletes to compete if they enroll within one year of high school graduation, which Smith did after completing his GED. His journey highlights a rare shift from professional sports to amateur collegiate athletics, driven by a passion for golf that he developed during his NBA years.

How It Works

JR Smith's transition to golf involves navigating NCAA eligibility, academic commitments, and athletic training.

• Key Point 1: Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University in 2021 under NCAA rules that allow athletes to compete if they start college within one year of high school graduation. He completed his GED in 2021, making him eligible as a freshman at age 35, and he is pursuing a degree in liberal studies with a focus on African American studies.
• Key Point 2: As a walk-on golfer, he practices with the team and competes in tournaments, such as the Elon Phoenix Invitational in 2022 where he shot rounds of 83 and 88. His golf handicap is reported to be around 5, indicating a skilled amateur level, and he has worked with coaches to improve his game, dedicating over 20 hours per week to training.
• Key Point 3: Smith balances academics and athletics, taking a full course load while participating in team activities. He has spoken about the challenges of adjusting to student life, including studying for exams and managing time, which contrasts with his NBA schedule that involved extensive travel and games.
• Key Point 4: His NBA career earnings, estimated at over $90 million, provide financial stability, allowing him to focus on golf without scholarships. This unique position enables him to mentor younger teammates and promote golf diversity, as he is one of few African American players in collegiate golf.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Impact 1: Smith's story challenges age stereotypes in sports, showing that athletes can pursue new passions later in life. At 35, he is over a decade older than typical NCAA freshmen, yet he competes effectively, inspiring others to explore second careers or educational opportunities.
• Impact 2: He promotes diversity in golf, a sport where African Americans represent less than 2% of professional players. By joining a collegiate team, he raises visibility and encourages underrepresented groups to take up the sport, potentially increasing participation rates.
• Impact 3: His academic pursuit highlights the value of education for professional athletes, with Smith earning a degree that could lead to post-sports opportunities. This sets a precedent for retired players to engage in lifelong learning, benefiting from NCAA programs.

Looking ahead, JR Smith's journey could influence NCAA policies and athlete transitions. If he continues to excel in golf, he might pursue professional tours or coaching roles, while his academic work could lead to advocacy or business ventures. His experience demonstrates that retirement from one sport can open doors to new challenges, enriching both personal growth and community impact. As he progresses, Smith remains a symbol of resilience and reinvention in the sports world.