Helena Frye
Will Smith is a big fan of basketball and has a history with the sport. He played basketball in high school and college, and even professionally for a season. He also played on the first episode of MTV's Rock N' Jock Basketball show in the 90s, starring alongside Mark and Donnie Wahlberg and Magic Johnson. In 2011, he bought a share of his hometown NBA basketball team, the Philadelphia 76ers, and he still goes back to Philadelphia to watch their games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) |
| Position | Small forward |
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1982 |
| Teams | North Texas Mean Green, Colima Tuberos |
| Career High Points | 10 points |
| Career High Rebounds | 13 rebounds |
| Career High Assists | 3 assists |
| Career High Blocks | 3 blocks |
| Career High Efficiency | 19 efficiency |
| Celebrity Basketball Appearances | MTV's Rock N' Jock Basketball, Bad Boys for Life |
| Basketball-Related Investments | Part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers |
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What You'll Learn
Will Smith's basketball career at the University of Colorado
Will Smith played basketball for the University of Colorado from 1996 to 2000. He was a forward, standing at 6-foot-6 (198 cm). During his four-year career, he scored 739 points and played 123 games—the most of any player in CU history. Notably, Smith played over 100 games without ever fouling out, a feat only matched by one other player in the school's history.
Smith played on one NCAA Tournament team (1996-97) and two NIT teams (1998-99 and 1999-2000) under head coach Ricardo Patton. He was the first player signed under Patton and later became the first former player to be part of the Patton program as an assistant coach.
Before joining CU, Smith was a standout high school player, earning a national ranking in the top 100 in the country, an all-state ranking of #2 in Tennessee, and 1996 district MVP honours. He also received the 1996 Coca-Cola Winter Sports Player of the Year award.
After his college career, Smith played professional basketball during the 2001-02 season for the Colima Tuberos in the LNBP League in Colima, Mexico. He also worked as an English teacher during his time in Mexico. Smith then returned to the University of Colorado as the Director of Basketball Operations from 2004 to 2007, where he was responsible for travel and practice plans, film exchange, scouting, academics, and coordinating basketball camps.
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Will Smith's professional basketball career
Will Smith is a big fan of basketball and has played the sport himself. In 2011, he even bought a share of his hometown NBA basketball team, the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming one of six owners. He is friends with the legendary Michael Jordan, who he says is "competitive about everything".
Smith played basketball at high school, excelling at Bel-Air Academy—as depicted in his TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He went on to play for the University of Colorado, wearing a CU basketball uniform from 1996 to 2000. During his four-year career, he scored 739 points and shares the CU all-time record for most games played in a career (123). He is also one of two players in the school's history to have played over 100 games without fouling out once. Smith played on one NCAA Tournament team (1996-97) and two NIT teams (1998-99 and 1999-2000).
Smith also played professional basketball during the 2001-02 season as a member of the Colima Tuberos in the LNBP League in Colima, Mexico. He also served as the Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Colorado from 2004 to 2007, where he was responsible for travel and practice plans, film exchange, game-by-game scouting, academics, and coordinating the Ricardo Patton Basketball Camps.
More recently, in 2019, Smith posted a video of himself playing basketball on the set of Bad Boys for Life. At 50 years old, he was still playing the game leisurely.
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Will Smith's basketball highlights on TV
Will Smith is not only a world-famous actor and rapper but also a highly skilled basketball player and a huge fan of the sport. In fact, his character in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is loosely based on himself and his love for basketball, with the character being the best player at Bel-Air Academy.
Smith has had several notable on-screen basketball moments, including his appearance on the first episode of MTV's Rock N' Jock Basketball show in the 90s, where he played alongside Mark and Donnie Wahlberg and Magic Johnson. He also posted a video of himself playing basketball on the set of Bad Boys for Life in 2019, showing that he still has skills on the court at 50 years old.
In addition to his on-screen highlights, Smith has had a successful career as a basketball player off-screen as well. He played for the University of Colorado from 1996 to 2000, participating in one NCAA Tournament and two NIT Tournaments. He also played professional basketball during the 2001-02 season for the Colima Tuberos in Mexico. Smith's impressive height of six feet seven inches likely gave him an advantage on the court. He even set multiple career highs in NCAA games, including in points (10), rebounds (13), assists (3), blocks (3), and efficiency (19).
Smith's passion for basketball extends beyond just playing, as he has also invested in his hometown NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming one of six owners. His love for the sport and his impressive skills have made him a notable figure in the basketball world, both on and off the screen.
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Will Smith's basketball cameos in film
Will Smith is known for his acting career, music, and athletic abilities. In the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith played a fictionalized version of himself, including his basketball skills. In one episode, Smith's character becomes a basketball star at school, causing his cousin, Carlton, to feel inferior. Smith's character is then accepted onto the Bel-Air Academy basketball team.
Smith has also showcased his basketball skills in other on-screen appearances. In Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation of Bel-Air, Smith's character is a young basketball player from West Philadelphia. After an altercation during a basketball game, Smith's character is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Bel-Air.
While Smith has demonstrated his basketball abilities in these on-screen roles, his appearances are not considered cameos, as he portrays a main character in these productions. Therefore, it appears that Smith has not made any basketball-specific cameos in film or television.
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Will Smith's investment in the Philadelphia 76ers
Will Smith, along with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, is a minority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. The couple joined an investment group led by multi-billionaire Joshua Harris to buy the club from Comcast-Spectator. Smith, a native of Philadelphia, is a well-known supporter of the team and has professed his love for the city in his music and his role as the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air".
The decision to invest in the 76ers is more than just a business move for the Smiths; it represents a cultural shift and a heartfelt connection to Smith's roots. Their involvement brings star power and the potential to attract new fans, create innovative partnerships, and draw worldwide media attention. As Hollywood icons, the couple can inspire players and fans, amplify the team's marketability, and leave a lasting impact on the franchise's legacy in Philadelphia.
The investment group, which includes prominent figures such as Joshua Harris, David Blitzer, and Jason Levien, seeks to rejuvenate the team's competitive edge and deepen its connection with fans locally and globally. The 76ers, one of the NBA's most storied franchises, have entered a transformative period with this transition of ownership, signalling a fresh vision for the team.
Smith's investment in the Philadelphia 76ers is a strategic move that combines his passions for basketball and his hometown. By joining forces with other influential investors, Smith is well-positioned to contribute to the success and growth of the franchise, both on and off the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Will Smith played basketball in high school and college. He was a standout prep player, earning a national ranking of top 100 in the country, an all-state ranking of #2 in Tennessee, and 1996 district MVP honours. He also played on one NCAA Tournament team and a pair of NIT teams.
Yes, Will Smith played professional basketball during the 2001-02 season as a member of the Colima Tuberos in the LNBP League in Colima, Mexico.
Will Smith is a small forward who can play both ends of the court. He is six foot seven and has good athleticism.
Yes, Will Smith is still involved in basketball as an investor and fan. In 2011, he bought a share of his hometown NBA basketball team, the Philadelphia 76ers, and he still goes back to Philadelphia to watch their games. He has also been seen playing basketball casually, such as on the set of Bad Boys for Life in 2019.
