Steve Smith: Two-Time All-American And Former NBA First-Round Draft Pick
Steve Smith: Two-Time All-American And Former NBA First-Round Draft Pick
Smith to be inducted into MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Sept. 7.
Sept. 6, 2001
Steve Smith was a member of the men's basketball team from 1987-91 and is one of seven former Spartans who will be inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame on September 7, 2001. Joining Smith in this year's class are Jerry DaPrato (football, 1912-15), Sue Ertl (golf, 1977-80), George M. (Jud) Heathcote (basketball coach, 1976-95), Sherman Lewis (football/track, 1961-64), Weldon Olson (ice hockey, 1951-55) and John D. Wilson (Football, 1950-52).
Smith was one of the greatest basketball players in MSU history and has continued to show his support through countless donations to his alma mater.
"It's a great honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, not only for myself, but for my family and community as well," Smith said. "I especially want to thank everyone involved at Michigan State for giving me the opportunity to play basketball and for the experiences that have helped me in life after college."
Smith, a two-time All-American (1990, 1991), helped the Spartans win the Big Ten championship in 1990 with a 28-6 overall record. During the title season, Smith was named Big Ten Player of the Year. He was also an All-Big Ten first-team selection and John Wooden Award finalist in 1990 and 1991 and earned All-America accolades from six publications during those two seasons. A three-time team MVP, Smith won the Big Ten scoring title in 1991 with a 23.2 ppg average.
Smith is the second-leading scorer in school history (2,263 points) and is in the top 10 in nine statistical categories all-time at Michigan State. His 18.5 career scoring average is fourth best in Spartan history.
Although Smith's name is everywhere in the Spartan record books, he credits his success at MSU to fellow Hall of Fame inductee Coach Jud Heathcote.
"Basketball wise, he was the most influential figure for me at MSU," said Smith. "I believe he was one of the greatest minds to coach the game in the last two decades. It's even extra-special to get inducted with Coach (Heathcote) and to thank him personally at the ceremony for all he's done for me."
A first-round NBA draft pick, Smith was selected by the Miami Heat in 1991 with the fifth overall pick and went on to earn All-Rookie Team honors. In 1994, Smith was a member of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the World Championships.
Off the court, Smith has donated millions of dollars to both Michigan State and his local community. In 1997, his $2.5-million donation helped build the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Support Center, the largest gift ever by a professional athlete to any college or university. For his donation, Smith was named Donor of the Year for the University Division by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors.
Smith also gave $600,000 to endow a four-year scholarship that will bring a Detroit Pershing High School student (Smith's high school alma mater) to Michigan State each year. He also sponsors an annual golf outing to benefit the Reading is Fundamental Program and other charities. He was the recipient of the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1998 for his outstanding record of community service involvement. On January 3, 1999, Smith's No. 21 jersey was retired by Michigan State.
An NBA All-Star in 1998, Smith has played professional basketball for 10 seasons and is currently a member of the San Antonio Spurs.
** Today marks the sixth installment of a seven-part series unveiling the members of the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2001. Former football player and Academic All-American John D. Wilson will be featured on Friday (Sept. 7).
** The MSU Athletics Hall of Fame, which is located in the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center on the campus of Michigan State University, was dedicated on Oct. 1, 1999. It is open to the general public on home football Saturdays, normally two hours after the game. The $250,000 Hall of Fame displays key moments in Spartan athletic history as well as plaques of the 72 current inductees. The charter class of 30 former Spartan athletes, coaches and administrators was inducted in 1992.