The transfer of Chris Smith from Manhattan three seasons ago was barely noticed by most University of Louisville basketball fans. Rick Pitino has even admitted he didn’t recognize him when Smith showed up for his first practice session.
Smith has gone from obscurity to being one of U of L’s most consistent contributors. He along with fellow senior and co-captain Kyle Kuric, provides a quiet kind of effective leadership that keeps a team steady during challenging times.
Like when teammates keep getting injured, when they play down to the level of slow-down teams like Ohio U., or when the opening game is on the home court of Butler, the national runner-up. Or when a super talented, quick team like Long Beach State arrives at the KFC Yum! Center.
Smith will set the tone, sinking a three-pointer to open the game, following up with a layup, giving U of L a 5-0 lead before Long Beach State knows what hit them. For the game, he will hit four out of six three-point attempts, all four of his free-throw shots, lead all scorers with 18 points while making three steals and grabbing a couple of precious rebounds.
Playing under the radar, almost unnoticed, under appreciated no more. He’s taking the risks, accepting responsibility, and embracing his leadership role.