HOUSTON — Before Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. walked into the gymnasium at Jack Yates High School, he looked through the glass doors in search of one person. He knew this person would be there to watch as he surprised a group of 50 students with shoes and a gift bag from his corporate sponsor, Adidas.
Smith’s father, former NBA player Jabari Smith Sr., turned his head at the right moment to make eye contact, and they greeted each other with a head nod as Smith Jr. walked through the door.
Smith Sr. had watched his son, the No. 3 selection in the 2022 NBA draft, enter many high school gymnasiums ready to compete on the court. But this day was different, because Smith Jr. was not there to score points or block shots. Instead, he was there to make a difference in the lives of youth in attendance.
“It’s surreal,” Smith Sr. told Rockets Wire about the community work his son is doing. “The kid (Smith Jr.) just keeps improving in every area, both on and off the court.”
Smith Sr. continued his comments:
As I watch him, I look at the developments off the court more than I do on the court. On the court, he is fine. He will have a good NBA career, but off the court, he will be able to develop relationships with adults and kids. But since kids are the most important, you must help guide them.”
You can’t just use your money and say, ‘Here you go.’ I want him to be one of the ones who pull up to their games and try to be as normal as possible because that is where the detachment is. These kids think that they can’t be him because he is famous and a star. No. He is a human who happens to be good at a sport. He is just a normal dude who worked hard, but this (community work) is his passion. I want him to give his time, energy, and love and then give some shoes.
“Through the ups and downs the city has always shown me love,” said Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. He was at Jack Yates High School to provide a special experience for 50 students at Jack Yates High School with holiday gifts and a surprise party. #Rockets #Sarge pic.twitter.com/215PRNGumB
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) December 19, 2023
Smith Jr. has been in the city for more than a year and a half. Over that time, he has organized numerous community events to help underprivileged youth throughout Houston. Although he is from Atlanta, the former Auburn University superstar loves the city and the fans who have made it a point to make him feel comfortable.
“Through the ups and downs, the city has always shown me love,” Smith Jr. said. “Even with the losses last year and us picking it up a little bit this year, it has always been the same thing. It has always been hopeful and encouraging words through my struggles. I am just grateful to have a city that is always with you through sports. This city is like a big family, and I love that.”
As Smith Jr. interacted with students, the expressions of excitement on their faces was a humbling experience for him, being 20 years old and just three years removed from high school, himself. That is why it was so important for his dad to be in attendance while seeing his son applying the life lessons that he was taught growing up.
“Show kids that you can be mature at a young age,” Smith Sr.’s said of his message. “When you smile and do it, you show these kids you are just like them; he is just good as hell in basketball.”
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