From NBA Star to College Golfer: How JR Smith Found His Passion for Golf
From NBA Star to College Golfer: How JR Smith Found His P...
By Edcel Panganiban August 23, 2024 15:00
J.R. Smith, the two-time NBA champion, famous for his clutch three-pointers and quirks on the basketball court, retired from basketball in 2019 to play golf, a charming twist of fate that caught sports fans off guard.
A Storied NBA Career
But before we get into Smith's golf pursuits, it would be remiss to overlook the noteworthy basketball career from which he emerged. J.R. Smith was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft out of high school. In his 16-year career, Smith suited up for five NBA teams: the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Famous for scoring mostly from deep, he was also a potential dynamite. His reputation as a top bench player in the league was secure already, landing him Sixth Man of the Year honors, and he had gone on to exhibit even better and healthier play since at least 2013, when Smith won that award while playing for the New York Knicks.
Smith played the best basketball of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Smith played an important role alongside LeBron James in helping the Cavaliers overcome a 3-1 Finals deficit and defeat the Golden State Warriors to claim their first-ever NBA championship, ending Cleveland's major sports title drought at 52 years. In 2020, Smith would earn another championship ring as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Over the course of his NBA career, Smith made about $90 million, which definitely cements him as one of this generation's top players. But as he neared the conclusion of his playing career, Smith started to seriously consider life after basketball.
Transition: Court to Course
J.R. Smith never picked up a golf club until he unexpectedly had an off day during his NBA career. Smith was at a charity golf event in the mid-2000s that his friend and fellow NBA player Rashard Lewis held. Smith first joined to help guys and joke with the other players. But the tide turned when NBA legend Moses Malone bet he couldn't hit a ball.
The high of hitting that perfect drive crashed quickly as Smith realized he could not regain the feat. But the experience would have an impact on him. "Straight up like an addiction," Smith said.
Over time in his NBA career, Smith developed a love for golf. He'd regularly watch PGA Tour events in the locker room and even take his sticks on road trips. There were times he played 36 holes on an off day and then a nine-hole emergency round before the game.
Smith didn't decide to take golf seriously until his NBA career ended. Now, Smith has reached a fork in the road out of professional basketball opportunities. He never attended college and went directly to the NBA out of high school. Thoughts about going back to school for further education came into the picture.
Smith is on board, enrolling at North Carolina A&T State University, a historically black college and university (HBCU), in 2021. He wants to test himself in the classroom and finish his education. Playing collegiate golf is a luxury he gets to do, plus it complements his new love-derived core.
College Golf: A New Test in Life
For Smith, the biggest challenge was transitioning from professional athlete to college student-athlete. Smith's journey has not come without difficulty, but his dedication to education and golf has been unwavering from the beginning.
Now, golf brings a new tier of competition for Smith. Though he could play cartel, the difficulty of Division I college golf was unique. Competition, the pressure to continuously perform, and the mental part of golf were things he needed to improve on.
"It's a different environment from playing in front of 20,000 people to a college golf gallery," said Smith. It's still as nerve-racking shooting a free throw in front of 5,000 people as it makes a 5-foot putt in front of 30. It all correlates the same."
Back on the course, Smith's development has been slow and steady. His success may not be at the level of winning collegiate tournaments, but his progress has been evident. He has been credited for his hard work by his coaches and teammates to better himself.
A New Passion and Purpose
Now, golf is more than just a game for J.R. Smith. Golf has become his passion and a new calling in life. So, the game has provided him with a new challenge, another goal to strive for, and an additional reason to put his head down and keep on pushing himself and doing something after basketball ends.
Golf has also presented Smith with new opportunities. In April 2022, Smith signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Lululemon to be the golf ambassador for his apparel brand. The deal with Lululemon represents a major coup for Smith, who becomes the first male golfer to join as a brand ambassador.
Smith has clarified that he is more interested in breaking through barriers than setting standards. As a former NBA star turned college golfer, Curry has raised the profile of golf at HBCUs and could encourage even more people to pick up the game.
Richard Watkins, the golf coach at North Carolina A&T, says Smith is very positive and great with his players. He's a great teammate. I will take no complaints over this.
Even more than a mere rebirth or transition of sorts, Smith's move from NBA star to college golfer represents one vital component of power and the promise of starting over and continuing education. Smith still spends his days like he did, playing games and practicing as he tackles college life and competitive golf.
The sports world is eager to see what chapter J.R. Smith writes next in his life. If anything, he serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late and that you always have time to chase another dream throughout your life.
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