THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 15, 1995 TAG: 9504150409
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Long : 107 lines
As the words slipped from Joe Smith's lips, the tears began to flow.
``I would like you to know as of today, I plan on foregoing my junior and senior years and entering the NBA draft,'' Smith said at center court of Maury High's gym Friday.
With that, the big man hung his head and cried. The pressure was off, the decision was made, his future is now and the age of innocence is gone.
Smith raised his head.
``The two seasons at Maryland are the greatest seasons I've ever had,'' Smith said.
He cried some more. Someone slipped him some tissues. Then the 6-foot-10 Smith sat down for a moment to compose himself and buried his face in his mother Letha's shoulder.
He'll cry all the way to the bank.
``Arguably today he could be the first pick,'' Orlando Magic general manager and chief operating officer Pat Williams said in a telephone interview. ``We don't know yet what (North Carolina sophomores Jerry) Stackhouse and (Rasheed) Wallace are going to do.''
Last year's first pick, Milwaukee's Glenn Robinson, signed a 10-year contract for $68.15 million. Most NBA officials say Smith will be selected somewhere from first to fifth in the June 28 draft. Washington's Juwan Howard was the fifth pick last year, signing an 11-year contract worth $36.6 million.
Smith said later the outpouring of emotion was partially relief, partially regret.
He was relieved that the decision was over. No longer would seemingly every passer-by utter the seven words that had become an albatross to college basketball's Player of the Year:
``What are you going to do, Joe?''
He's going to make a lot of money, and probably make some NBA team very happy.
The regret is that he leaves a Maryland program that has made a phoenix-like rise from the ashes, largely because of Smith. Now Smith, just 19 and a sophomore in college, likely will be asked to do the same for one of the NBA's downtrodden.
Boston Celtics executive vice president and director of basketball operations M.L. Carr said in a telephone interview Friday that Smith could have an immediate impact in the league.
``Very few rookies do, but I think he's one who can,'' Carr said. ``Joe Smith is top of the line. I think he's got to be in the first three picks.''
That was one of the reasons Smith decided he is ready for the NBA, because the NBA is clearly ready for him. Another was the money.
``My mother raised seven kids on her own,'' Smith said. ``It was time for me to give back.''
Mom plans to stay close. She said she will go to live with her youngest child for at least a year.
``Today I've shed quite a few tears for praise and thanksgiving,'' Letha Smith said. ``The Lord has blessed him. You cannot express the joy that a mother has on an occasion like today. The joy is overflowing.''
In Smith's case, so is the talent. Although NBA officials say he would be better off to stay in school, none are saying they wouldn't grab him now if given the chance.
``Another year (of college) wouldn't hurt, but I feel it's time for me to move on,'' Smith said.
He is, however, not terminating his college lease.
Smith and his mother said he would not hire an agent until after the NBA draft, thus keeping his options open. If the NBA institutes a rookie salary cap that would dramatically diminish his immediate earning potential, Smith said he would consider returning to Maryland next season. He has until 30 days after the draft to make that decision.
Smith swears that on Monday he will be back in class. Both he and Maryland assistant coach Art Perry said he is in good academic standing and would be eligible to play next season.
He looked every bit the college kid Friday. Smith showed up at his press conference wearing a multicolored striped golf shirt - untucked - baggy jeans and Nikes.
He stepped to the podium and flashed a multimillion-dollar smile. Family members and well-wishers gave him a 30-second ovation in the gym where he played high school ball.
Then Joe Smith uttered the words that made him so happy he cried. MEMO: THE SMITH FILE:
Age: 19
Size: 6-foot-10, 220 pounds
Hometown: Born and raised in Norfolk
High school highlights: Tidewater player of the year as a senior at
Maury, and a two-time All-Tidewater selection. First-team All-State in
Group AAA as a senior, first-team AAU All-American and member of AAU
17-under national championship team. Third-team Parade All-American as
a senior.
College highlights: Started every game in his two years at Maryland.
ACC and national freshman of the year in 1993-94. Averaged 20.8 points,
10.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots as a sophomore, and was a consensus
first-team All-American; Associated Press national player of the year
and winner of Naismith Award as the top collegiate player.
Related stories on page C1. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos
Joe Smith
Color photo by Christopher Reddick, Staff
...Joe Smith...and mother, Letha Smith...
by CNB