After a successful 2018 NFL Draft in which Roc Nation Sports boasted numerous draftees, including second overall pick of the New York Giants, running back Saquon Barkley, the basketball division is right back to work. The agency announced the recent signing of former Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith.
The 6’5”, 195-pound Smith declared for the Draft forgoing his final three years of collegiate eligibility. In his lone year as a Red Raider, he averaged 11.3 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game and 1.8 assists per game. Although he initially declared for the Draft in March, he held off on signing an agent until Roc Nation made the announcement.
His freshman season in Lubbock is one that he and the Red Raider-faithful will remember, as Smith led the team to the school’s first 2018 NCAA Tournament victory in over a decade. The Red Raiders reached the Elite Eight before losing to eventual champion Villanova. He averaged 12.0 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game throughout the tournament, bettering his regular season numbers. As a freshman, he was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, Big 12 All-Newcomer Team and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
According to NBADraft.net, Smith is projected to be selected 18th overall in July’s NBA Draft.