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Jamar Smith to Portsmouth

Fri, 02/26/2010 - 11:43am | Paul Klee

Some quick news... Former Illini Jamar Smith took a noteworthy step today in terms of his playing career. The Peoria product was one of 64 college seniors chosen for the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, a showcase for professional hopefuls that runs April 7-10 in Virginia. 

Smith led Division II Southern Indiana in scoring (21.6 ppg) and set the school's single-game (10) and the single-season (108) marks for three-point field goals made. USI coach Rodney Watson said recently he was hoping Smith would land a roster spot in Portsmouth to help him gain more exposure before pro scouts from the U.S. and from teams overseas.

PKlee_IlliniHQ

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randyandjoy1 wrote on March 02, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Don't forget. He is not with you because of his own actions. Actions have consequences. Granted Illinois would be a top 10 if not a top 5 team with him but that was his choice. Blame no one but him.

WyomingIllini wrote on March 04, 2010 at 3:03 pm

It is too bad that the U of I administration and the local Chambana politicos did not let Weber and Gunther handle the J Smith situation. This still gets me mad. Does anyone remember Luther Head. I would be willing to bet anything if they had let Weber handle this problem Smith would have gotten straightened out, Illinois Basketball would be a top twenty team and Smith would be playing in the NBA next year. Well at least Smith seems to be doing ok but his NBA prospects are iffy at best.

sbg6257 wrote on March 12, 2010 at 8:03 pm

Smith was not that good. Scoring 20 for a division II to team is not a big deal. He won't be in the NBA.

illinifan1280 wrote on March 14, 2010 at 9:03 pm

Jamar Smith would not be adding much more to this team, but that's not an insult to him. It's just that this year, Illinois has a crowded backcourt, and any minutes he received, would only take away from someone like Paul, or even Jordan's invaluable defensive minutes.

And let's not forget that he did get his second and third chances with this team. Luther Head made the most of it, but Jamar did not. I'm glad he is doing well, and will get a chance to play professionally somewhere.