Jason Smith has found a new home.
The former Colorado State Rams Men’s Basketball star signed a one-year deal with the Orlando Magic on Tuesday worth $4.5 million. He was a free agent following his eighth year in the league, which was spent in New York with the Knicks.
Smith’s former teammate with the New Orleans Hornets, Ryan Anderson was excited for him:
So happy for my boy @JasonSmith014! @OrlandoMagic fans/staff, you are gonna love him!
— Ryan Anderson (@ryananderson33) July 7, 2015
As was current Colorado State assistant coach Ross Hodge:
Congrats to former @CSUMensBball Ram @JasonSmith014 on signing a new deal to be part of the @OrlandoMagic #nextlevelrams
— ross hodge (@coachrosshodge) July 7, 2015
Last year in New York, Smith played in every game for the first time in his career, starting 31 for the struggling Knicks. The center averaged eight points and four rebounds along with a career-high 1.7 assists per game. His two best seasons as a pro came with the Hornets, in 2011-12 and 2013-14. During that latter season, he averaged 9.7 points per with a career-high 5.8 rebounds. It took him some time, but Smith has developed into a legitimate center in the NBA.
He was the literal big man on campus for Colorado State from 2004-2006, spending only two years with the school. The seven-footer was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year and then all-Mountain West first team following those seasons. His sophomore season saw profound production of 16.2 points and 7.3 boards per as he was clearly their best player.
Without a doubt, the Kersey, Colorado native has many fans in Fort Collins and across the Centennial State cheering him on as his NBA career continues to blossom.
