J.R. Smith Attends North Carolina A&T With a Rising Golf Career on the Horizon

Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith seems to be getting the hang of college life already. That’s right, Smith began classes on August 18th, and can now add student-athlete to his resume. The NCAA cleared former NBA veteran to play golf for the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University on Tuesday.

Former NBA veteran J.R. Smith is officially set to become a college golfer. Smith’s journey to college has been like no other. It goes as follows high school graduate, check! NBA Champion, check! Student-Athlete, well that’s what he is now. Before joining the NBA straight out of high school, Smith committed to play college basketball at UNC-Chapel Hill but chose the NBA instead. Drafted in the first round, Smith went on to enjoy a 16-year NBA career. With his sights now set on earning a degree in liberal studies, Smith spoke out about his unique opportunity. “It was probably one of the most exciting feelings I’ve had in a while,” referring to being able to call himself a student-athlete.

Smith has been a devoted golfer for the past 12 years. While attending an NBA legend’s charity event, his passion continued to grow for the sport. Smith live-tweeted earlier this week mentioning his English assignment deadline. For someone as popular as Smith was in the NBA, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to college life. As far as golf is concerned, Smith was given the green light to participate because he never attended college. The most recent NCAA rule change also played a major part in the NCAA’s decision to clear Smith. Athletes are now able to make millions from endorsement deals. Not that it matters since he’s already a millionaire. When Smith chose to attend NC A&T it only shed more light on one of the top HBCUs in the country. The biggest takeaway, however, is that you can do anything you put your mind to. Sounds cliché, I know, but it is true!