J.R. Smith called it quits on his basketball career after the Lakers’ championship in 2020, but if all goes well, his competitive sports days won’t be over.
While participating in a pro-am at the Wyndham Championship this week in North Carolina, Smith discussed his plans to go to college and pursue a degree. Smith, who was drafted by the Hornets out of high school in 2004, has enrolled at North Carolina A&T. He is in the process of joining the golf team, but he is still waiting on the NCAA to make its clearance decision about that.
Still, Smith seemed genuinely excited about the opportunity.
"Very special. I can't wait to be part of an HBCU Family." great to talk with @TheRealJRSmith here at @WyndhamChamp Pro-Am. Smith is enrolling at @ncatsuaggies (went to NBA straight from HS) and hopes to get NCAA Clearance to play on the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. @WFMY #wfmysports pic.twitter.com/GzWuiVb95Q
— Brian Hall (@bhallwfmy) August 11, 2021
According to the 35-year-old Smith, he plays a 5 handicap and started playing golf 12 years ago.
But regardless of the NCAA’s decision, Smith says that he’s going to pursue a liberal studies degree at North Carolina A&T as he steps into a classroom for the first time in about 18 years.