By: Katie Zigelman, News Correspondent
Sophomore guard Joel Smith recorded 38 points in the last three games of the basketball season including eight three-pointers, five of which were made in the Huskies’ 56-54 loss to Utah State. Smith also made three steals during the Providence game. His performance has earned him Huntington News Player of the Week status.
So far, Smith has scored a total of 71 points this basketball season, which is 21 points more than he earned in his rookie campaign. He went from playing an average of seven minutes per game in the 2009-10 season to playing 31.2 minutes per game this season, second only to senior guard and captain Chaisson Allen.
“Last year Smith played more of an understudy role to the very talented Matt Janning, but when he was given the opportunity to play he performed well,” head coach Bill Coen said. “Going into the season, we knew he could handle the bigger role. He trained a lot in the off season so what you are seeing now is the result of Joel’s hard work.”
Smith said he enjoys the responsibility that comes with his bigger role on the team.
“It feels good, I can’t lie,” Smith said. “I get to make decisions and be the one the coach goes to. I feel like I have bigger responsibilities this season. I have to be a leader at a young age and a role model to the younger players.”
The Leander, Texas native said he has been playing basketball since he could walk and bounce a ball.
“It was the type of neighborhood I grew up in, my dad played and I grew up with sports fans,” Smith said. “I’m a basketball fan for life, so when I’m not on the court I am always watching it or playing it on video games.”
Though he said he would like to continue his career in basketball for as long as the opportunity presents itself, he has a backup plan. Smith is majoring in human services and communication studies.
He volunteers at the Fenway Community Development Corporation, and said he would like to continue the work even after the semester ends. He also enjoys spending time listening to music, especially before games.
During games, Smith said with the help of his coaches, he is able to deal with the pressure of thousands of fans counting on him to make something happen.
“The coaches do a great job of preparing us for every situation,” Smith said. “They trust in me to make the right play so I just calm down and do what I know how to.”
Smith said the basketball team has collective long-term goals for the season including doing well in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament and making it to the NCAA tournament. He said he has some personal goals as well, such as developing his basketball skillset and becoming a captain in the future.
Coen said he is excited to watch Smith grow as a player.
“Joel has so much potential and what we are seeing now are just the initial stages of his development,” Coen said. “He is a great outside shooter and 3-point threat. He really gives us that scoring punch that we need. He is a terrific kid and a great role model to the younger players.”
