Meet the 2004 Crimson Tide: Senior Guard Demetrius Smith
2/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Lenae Douglas
UA Media Relations
It's no wonder when he had to choose between football, baseball or basketball, that in the end, Demetrius Smith went with basketball. He excelled in all three sports in high school, playing quarterback on his Calloway High football team, pitching for the baseball team, and playing guard on his basketball team. But in the end the Hogansville, Georgia native went with basketball. No doubt he was influenced by a favorite uncle, the late Derek Smith. Smith starred at Louisville and led Louisville to an NCAA championship then went on to play and coach in the NBA. He introduced Demetrius as a kid to some of the greatest players in the game, including at the time, Derek's Philadelphia 76ers teammate Charles Barkley who once joined the family for dinner.
Demetrius will graduate from the University of Alabama this May. He'll leave with a degree and at least one championship ring, jewelry that came compliments of winning the 2002 Southeastern Conference regular season championship. And so far, he's three-for-three in post season trips, making it to Madison Square Garden and the NIT championship game his freshman year in 2001 and then back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2002 and 2003. He's toying with the idea of maybe even expanding his athletic letters at Alabama. When he graduates, because he's worked hard in school and made good grades, he'll still have a fifth year of scholarship at Alabama. He's thinking about working toward a second degree and walking on the Crimson Tide football team.
Meanwhile, he and his teammates are facing a schedule that has been ranked the toughest in all of Division I college basketball this season. Demetrius took a time out after practice on Monday to share a little insight on this senior who has been a true leader on this Crimson Tide team:
Did Alabama's tradition in Athletics affect your decision in selecting this University?
"Yes, because I'm a big football fan."
In your opinion, what are some of the strengths of the team this season?
"One strength is that everybody on the team can score."
What has been one of the biggest obstacles for the team this season?
"Overcoming the road wins."
What's your major, and how do you plan on incorporating that into the career that you choose?
"My major is criminal justice, I might go into law school."
If you could pick any team in the NBA, which team would you pick and why?
"I would pick either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Boston Celtics because my uncle played there."
What motivated you to play basketball and how long have you been playing?
"It's a family tradition, I've been playing since I was eight."
Who was your favorite basketball player while you were growing up?
"Michael Jordan."
Do you think that role models can be found in the NBA today, and if so who would you choose?
"Yes, I would choose Tracy McGrady."
As a senior, when you reflect back on your time here, what have you gained from playing for the Crimson Tide and attending the University?
"I got a lot of exposure by traveling around the country."
If you could offer any advice to incoming players, what would it be?
"Come in, work hard and get your education."
