In the fall of 2021, 16-year NBA veteran JR Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University and joined the golf team as a walk-on. Zak is a writer at GOLF Magazine, currently working on a book about the summer he spent in St. Andrews. As for Smiths college golf career, that remains to be seen. The Aggies finished 11th in the 13-team field, 57 shots off the pace set by tournament champion Elon. The thought of studying for some pointless accounting final as an English major still haunts my dreams, especially as an adult with adult aches, pains, and responsibilities. One of the coolest non-tour golf stories of the year belongs to J.R. Smith. Smith, a If you havent been there, youre not a golfer. A former two-time intern, he also helps keep GOLF.com humming outside the news-breaking stories and service content provided by our reporters and writers, and works with the tech team in the development of new products and innovative ways to deliver an engaging site to our audience. Four holes into the second round, he had made three pars and a birdie. The 6-foot-6 guard was set to join tradition-rich North Carolina under Roy Williams in 2004, but instead jumped straight to the NBA and was a first-round draft pick. Obviously different environments from playing in front of 20,000 people to playing in a college golf gallery. Unfortunately for the former sharpshooting guard his scorecard was just as colorful in his college golf debut. 5 spot on North Carolina A&T's team, made two birdies and two doubles in his first five holes of play on Monday. Note: This profile will be updated as more information becomes available. 18. After retiring from basketball the35-year-old decided to enroll at North Carolina A&T and walk on as a freshman. Thats right. He died aged 67. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome), J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies reacts as his putt slides past the hole, J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies reacts as his putt slides past the hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Believe it or not, the following sentence is not a joke either: J.R. Smith is about to start his competitive collegiate golf career. The 35-year-old two-time NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, who has enrolled at North Carolina A&T as a freshman walk-on, shot a 10-over 81 on Monday in the first round of the Elon Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club in Burlington, North Carolina. That, in and of itself, is success. As he took the game more seriously, he frequented driving ranges and worked to improve his swing on his own, never hiring a coach while picking up occasional tips from watching Golf Channel. Smith -- who won titles with LeBron James in 2016 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers -- credited a conversation with Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen as the catalyst for his decision to petition the NCAA to be eligible to play. In a tweet, James wrote, HOW AMAZING IS THIS MAN!!! The two-time NBA champion finished 81st out of 84 in his first competitive college tournament back in October, adding insult to injury when he stepped on a hornets nest midway through his second round. followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. 9 to within a foot from the pin. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), A detailed photo of the small Nike shoe used as a putter cover by former NBA, A detailed photo of the small Nike shoe used as a putter cover by former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Caroina A&T Aggies during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. By Joel Beall. "Hopefully they're learning some things and I don't mess them up.". When you're not used to going to school and doing all that s---, ahh man freshman year you don't think you can do it, you always hear about your disabilities.". JR Smith will get a chance to shoot his shot. Its going to be fun, Smith said Monday in an online news conference. But this is what I tell people. He made his collegiate debut at the Elon Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club in Burlington, North Carolina, after qualifying for the team by one stroke. But Smith isnt doing this only to play golf, hes just as interested in focusing on his studies while at NC A&T. This was a guy most famous (or rather infamous) for never wearing a shirt and miscounting the score in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals. 2023 Cable News Network. Now, in his second semester North Carolina A&T's JR Smith waits to putt on the 17th green during the first round of the Phoenix Invitational golf tournament in Burlington, N.C., Monday, pic.twitter.com/MOPVusR4zE. A Warner Bros. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies warms up with his fellow, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies warms up with his fellow competitors before the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Two-time NBA champion JR Smith, making his collegiate golf debut for North Carolina A&T, finished in 81st place out 84 entries after shooting a 79 in the final 6:57 pm ET, 2023 Arnold Palmer fantasy golf rankings, picks, lineup, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational picks, field, odds, How to watch 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational expert picks, odds, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA DFS picks, lineups, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational props, expert picks, J.R. Smith shoots 83-78 in college golf debut, Arnold Palmer Invitational expert picks, preview, Report: PGA Tour to reduce fields of designated events, Kirk breaks 8-year drought with emotional Honda win, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour partner for mixed-team event, Dustin Johnson, Adidas part ways after 15 years, R&A removes exemptions for Open Championship. Proud of you Kid!!! Speaking afterward with local media, Smith mentioned that he felt nervous playing in his first collegiate competition, but that there was plenty to take away from it. Smith, 36, enrolled at North Smith actually beat a handful of competitors in the first round and headed right back out there for a second 18-hole round Monday. WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about guard JR Smith on ESPN. Its not even a week yet but as I get into it, I keep getting eager to learn more, and join study groups and try to understand and try to really embrace the lifestyle, Smith said. Playing for a score as opposed to just playing for your ego and pride. All Rights Reserved. Regardless, the outcome for Smith is good, and his swing looked fantastic. Learning how to play from the rough in certain areas. Smith made six consecutive bogeys, finally breaking that streak with a double bogey on the 3rd hole (his 17th) before finishing off with another bogey to shoot a 10-over 81. Love bro. The two-time NBA champion finished 81st out of 84 in his first competitive college tournament back in Fred Couples LIV dig, Tom Brady and Tony Finau tee it up at Seminole | Rogers Report, PGA Tour makes big changes to 2024 designated events, including smaller fields and no cuts, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Rory McIlroy reveals how Tiger Woods influenced recent driver switch, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. Proud of you Kid!!! BURLINGTON, N.C. J.R. Smith couldnt help but feel anxious. Ben Jared. Smith went right to the NBA after high school, so he missed out on the college experience. I was nervous. As being a shooter and with golf, it correlates to trying to hit different shots and your creativity, and that swing and try to have that flow and tempo.. appreciated. Ex-NBAer turned college golfer JR Smith named North Carolina A&T's Academic But its still as nerve-racking as shooting a free throw in front of 5,000 instead of making a 5-foot putt in front of three. J.R. Smith's hard work this year has paid off. Proud of you Kid!!! Anthony Ford, competing as an individual, shot an 11-over 82. followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. But, put meaning to it, and the heart rate changes. Can you imagine being the fifth guy for George Mason or Radford and rolling up to somebody who was flying private with LeBron James 12 months ago and made $88.3 million over the course of his career? J.R. Smith played in the pro-am at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. After Smith was named Academic Athlete of the Year, James tweeted, "YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith!! According to the school, All A&T golfers must qualify for each tournament in practice unless the golfer finishes first or second on the team in the previous tournament, and Smith qualified for the Phoenix Invitational by one stroke. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. In college golf, teams drop one of five scores, and his was the lowest both times. Fred Couples LIV dig, Tom Brady and Tony Finau tee it up at Seminole | Rogers Report, PGA Tour makes big changes to 2024 designated events, including smaller fields and no cuts, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Rory McIlroy reveals how Tiger Woods influenced recent driver switch, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. The athlete known to hoops fans as "JR Swish" is the first male golfer to sign a brand ambassador deal with Lululemon. That included joining LeBron James in winning titles with Cleveland in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Florida pandemic bubble in 2020 and celebrating each in memorable shirtless fashion. The former sixth man of the year was named North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year with a 4.0 GPA on Monday. You can read about those travels here and catch his latest thoughts on the Drop Zone Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart | PodBean, GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF, Heres how J.R. Smiths first college golf tournament played out. That is what you would probably expect from a world-class athlete trying to contend on a fairly high level in a sport he has not played competitively for extended periods of time. Smith-Njigba is coming off a season in which a nagging hamstring injury limited him to five catches total, but he led Ohio State in catches (95) and yards (1,606) in 2021. YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith!! Its a lot different than playing a round with your buddies at the random public courses.. "I dont give a damn whether he wants to stay or go," Smith said. In January, Smith signed with Excel Sports Management for NIL representation. JR Smith analyzes his yardage book during his first collegiate golf tournament Monday. In the fall of 2021, 16-year NBA veteran JR Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University and joined the golf team as a walk-on. Whatever you do, dont go rushing to conclusions about Smiths game. 9 to within a foot from the pin. When Smith first earned his 4.0, he celebrated on Twitter, saying, "I can't even describe the feeling, I ain't even gonna lie to you. I dont know if the professor is prepared for that, and Im obviously not the average freshman. If you want to find out how good a golfer really is, put the word tournament or money in front of the round. The Jazz acquire cash considerations and a future second-round pick in the trade with the Thunder. Our man started one over through the first nine holes of his round, but then promptly double-bogeyed the par-3 14th (his 10th). Because if Im going to give it a shot, thats the only way its going to work.. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith gets a word of encouragement from head coach Richard Watkins of, Former NBA player J.R. Smith gets a word of encouragement from head coach Richard Watkins of the North Carolina A&T Aggies during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Smith, 36, enrolled at North Carolina A&T; on Aug. 11, pursuing a degree in liberal studies with the intention of joining the golf team while awaiting a decision from the NCAA regarding his eligibility. At the time, Smith's agent, Lance Young, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that there was high interest from golf apparel and equipment manufacturers in sponsoring the enormously popular (6.2 million followers on Instagram alone) college athlete. Recently, now that his NBA days are behind him, Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T to pursue a degree in liberal studies and is hoping to get a spot on the Aggies' golf team. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). Smith hits his tee shot on the 9th hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club. The third and final round will get underway at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. He scored more than 12,000 regular-season points while playing for five NBA teams. Its not golf 24/7 even though he enrolled in part to play on the universitys golf team. About. Smith is not the only one celebrating his accomplishments, as his former teammate LeBron James has chimed in as well. He finished with a 7-over 78 to move up a few spots in the leaderboard. Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies tees off to begin his, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies tees off to begin his first competitive round of collegiate golf at the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Former NBA star J.R. Smith on how basketball is likegolf?! To the surprise of absolutely no one, that old Cardale Jones tweet made quite the comeback. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: golf | pageType: stories | Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Obviously different environments from playing in front of 20,000 people to playing in a college golf gallery, Smith said. The NCAA bars athletes from competing in college sports if theyve played in the pro ranks, but the rules only apply to the sport the player made money in professionally. The Aggies did not use either of Smith's scores toward their total. The two-time NBA champion is returning to the state where he was originally slated to play college basketball. Alamance Country Club is the venue for the week, a par 71 layout measuring 6,867 yards. I ain't gonna lie. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard played professionally for a host of NBA teams, winning NBA titles with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. What do we make of the PGA Tours new Designated Events Model? Monday through Friday, 8-11, sometimes longer, he says to the camera, tears in his eyes. "Play, win. Smith has documented his time in college and has been open about studying, getting his schoolwork doneand all the stresses that come with college work. However, on the home stretch, things took a turn for the worse as he made six consecutive bogeys and then a double bogey on his 17th hole before finishing with another bogey to shoot a 10-over 81. Make fun of his liberal studies major all you want, but how many 4.0 semesters did you pull down? Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. The most famous college golfer is not one of the best amateurs in the world. Playing when there is nothing on the line is one thing. All three players will return for repeat runs in L.A., including championships for Howard (2020) and Ariza (2009). That fact brought is humorous in light of this quote from A&T head coach Richard Watkins from before the tournament begin. Smith said he has a 5 handicap and started playing golf 12 years ago with the encouragement of late NBA great Moses Malone. The former NBA player turned college student athlete was named North Carolina A&T's Academic Athlete of the Year. I was, he said. Masters: Wanna play Augusta National? Smith walked off the course tied for 79th after eight bogeys, two double bogeys, two birdies and six pars. So it all correlates the same for me.. You would think a guy like J.R. is used to having eyes on him.". Average freshman round, he had made three pars and a birdie runs in,. Right to the surprise of absolutely no one, that old Cardale Jones tweet quite. Major all you want, but how many 4.0 semesters did you pull down regardless, the for! You pull down Hopefully they 're learning some things and I do n't mess them up ``! @ TheRealJRSmith for the finish line players will return for repeat runs in,. Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club more information becomes available both times par 71 layout measuring 6,867 yards representation! 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