Dru Smith is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA G League. Born on December 30, 1997, he is a point guard known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability.<\/p>
Smith’s college career began at the University of Evansville, where he played for two seasons. As a freshman in the 2016-17 season, he averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He improved significantly in his sophomore year (2017-18), averaging 13.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, which earned him Third-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors. After his sophomore season, Smith decided to transfer to the University of Missouri, seeking a higher level of competition and exposure.<\/p>
Due to NCAA transfer rules, Smith had to sit out the 2018-19 season. He made his debut for the Missouri Tigers in the 2019-20 season and immediately became a key player. In his junior year, he averaged 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His senior season (2020-21) saw him continue his strong performance, averaging 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals, leading the SEC in steals and earning him Second-Team All-SEC honors. His defensive tenacity and leadership were crucial for the Tigers.<\/p>
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Smith joined the Miami Heat for the NBA Summer League. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Heat in September 2021 and was subsequently waived before the start of the regular season. He then joined their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, for the 2021-22 season. With the Skyforce, he established himself as a reliable point guard, contributing with his scoring, passing, and defense. His consistent performance in the G League eventually led to him signing a two-way contract with the Miami Heat in November 2022. This allowed him to split his time between the Heat and the Skyforce, gaining valuable experience at both levels. He played limited minutes with the Heat during the 2022-23 NBA season, appearing primarily when key players were injured or resting.<\/p>
In terms of recent news and developments, Smith’s journey in the NBA has been characterized by his perseverance as an undrafted player. His ability to impact the game on the defensive end and his developing offensive game have often been highlighted. While he has not yet secured a permanent spot on an NBA roster, his two-way contracts indicate that teams, particularly the Heat, see potential in his development. News about him generally focuses on his G League performances and his call-ups to the NBA, as he seeks to solidify his place in the league.<\/p>
As for personal data, Dru Smith is known for his quiet and focused demeanor. He is often described as a hard worker who prioritizes team success. While there isn’t much public information available about his personal life beyond his basketball career, his dedication to the sport is evident in his trajectory from a mid-major college to an NBA two-way player. He continues to be a player who makes the most of his opportunities, showcasing his skills whenever he steps onto the court.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":49043,"template":"","categories":[1],"class_list":["post-49042","nba-player","type-nba-player","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n