Amanda Knapp
Harry Smith, a former inmate at San Quentin State Prison, was released in 2019 after serving seven years for a domestic violence conviction. During his time in prison, Smith played basketball for the San Quentin Warriors, a prison team that competed against the Golden State Warriors. Following his release, Smith tried out for the Santa Cruz Warriors, a farm team of the Golden State Warriors, and featured in the Netflix documentary Q Ball, which followed the San Quentin Warriors. Smith continues to play basketball and work towards reconciliation with his family.
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What You'll Learn
Harry Smith's time in San Quentin State Prison
Harry Smith, a former inmate at San Quentin State Prison, was sent to prison for seven years due to a domestic violence conviction. However, his passion for basketball remained unwavering throughout his time in prison. Smith played basketball whenever he could and found solace in the familiar comfort of the game, even in the challenging environment of prison ball, which he likened to football in its intensity and physicality.
San Quentin Prison is home to the San Quentin Warriors, a basketball team comprising inmates. This team competes annually against the Golden State Warriors, providing a unique opportunity for rehabilitation and mentorship. Smith, nicknamed "ATL" due to his Atlanta roots and "The Phenom" for his exceptional basketball skills, was a standout player on the San Quentin Warriors. In September 2017, just days before his release, Smith led the prison team to victory against the visiting Golden State Warriors.
During his incarceration, Smith's innate joy and resilience were evident to those around him. His fellow inmate and friend, Lemar Harrison, remarked on Smith's ability to exude an inner joy, even in the midst of their challenging circumstances. Smith's passion for basketball and his positive attitude helped him navigate the rigors of prison life.
After his release from San Quentin in 2018, Smith reignited his pursuit of a professional basketball career. He tried out for the Golden State Warriors' Santa Cruz farm team, marking a significant step towards reclaiming his life and fulfilling his potential. Smith's journey from San Quentin to the Warriors' court serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to pursue his dreams, even after a lengthy prison sentence.
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Smith's appearance in the documentary 'Q Ball'
San Quentin inmate Harry “ATL” Smith is featured in the documentary "Q Ball", which showcases the power of basketball and the impact it has on the inmates' lives. Smith, who was once a promising basketball player in Atlanta, found himself in San Quentin Prison serving an eight-year sentence for domestic violence.
Smith is the central character of "Q Ball", and his story is one of redemption and second chances. He is described as the "team's charismatic star and clearly the best on the court" by director Michael Tolajian. The documentary follows Smith's journey, from his time in prison to his eventual release and pursuit of a new life.
In one moving scene from the documentary, Smith is seen in his cell, looking at photos of himself with Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. Smith reflects on his past, recalling when he competed against future NBA stars Dwight Howard and J.R. Smith. He expresses his desire to turn his life around and make something of himself, with the ultimate goal of suiting up in an NBA jersey.
Smith's appearance in "Q Ball" highlights the impact of basketball in San Quentin Prison. The film showcases the high calibre of basketball played in the prison, with inmates displaying intense passion and dedication to the game. It also illustrates how basketball can be a form of rehabilitation, providing inmates with a sense of purpose and an opportunity to salvage their lives.
Smith's story in "Q Ball" serves as a testament to the power of basketball to bring about positive change and offer a chance at redemption. Since his release from prison, Smith has been working towards reclaiming his life and pursuing his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
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His tryout for the Santa Cruz Warriors
Harry Smith's journey to basketball prominence is a remarkable one. After serving seven years in prison following a domestic violence conviction, Smith was released in 2018 and given a chance to try out for the Santa Cruz Warriors, the G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors.
Smith's tryout for the Santa Cruz Warriors came just a week after his release from San Quentin State Prison, where he had been incarcerated since 2011. During his time in prison, Smith played basketball whenever he could, finding solace and joy in the game despite the challenging prison environment. He even led the San Quentin Warriors, the prison's basketball team, to victory against a visiting team of Golden State Warriors players and staff just days before his release.
The opportunity to try out for the Santa Cruz Warriors presented Smith with a chance to reignite his pursuit of a professional basketball career, a dream that had seemed to die when he was convicted and sent to prison. Despite having only seven days to prepare for the tryout, Smith was determined to give it his all. He suited up in the blue and gold uniform and took to the court at the Golden State Warriors' training facility in Oakland, showcasing his skills and determination.
Smith's tryout for the Santa Cruz Warriors generated significant interest and captured the attention of many. His story served as an inspiring narrative of redemption and second chances. The public was intrigued by his journey from the nation's most infamous prisons to the basketball court, pursuing a fresh start and a potential professional basketball career. Smith's tryout was widely seen as a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport, even after a lengthy period of incarceration.
While it is unclear if Smith made the Santa Cruz Warriors roster, his tryout served as a pivotal moment in his journey. It symbolized his reintegration into society and his unwavering pursuit of basketball excellence. The experience also provided him with exposure and a platform to rebuild his life, reconnect with his passion for the sport, and work towards reconciliation with his family.
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Smith's high school basketball career
Harry Smith, a native of Hartford, was a gifted athlete and student at Weaver High School, from which he graduated in 1940. He excelled in basketball and baseball, captaining both teams and being named to the all-state basketball team in his senior year. Smith was recognised as the dominant local high school basketball player of his day, with one sports reporter describing him as "as brilliant a schoolboy basketball performer as has graced the district’s courts in the past decade". Smith was an exceptional shooter and could drive and fake out opponents with either hand. He was also a team player, setting up his teammates when they were open or screening for them to create opportunities.
Smith's skill and dominance on the court translated to success for his team, as he helped them capture the city and Metropolitan championships. Despite being offered college scholarships for his athletic prowess, Smith was unable to accept them due to financial constraints. His father had passed away when he was young, and he felt a responsibility to support his mother and three siblings. Instead, he studied accounting at Morse Business College and later served in the Army in Alaska from 1944 to 1946.
Another Harry Smith, who went by the nickname "ATL" due to his Atlanta roots, was incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison in 2011 for a domestic violence conviction. During his time in prison, Smith continued to play basketball, finding comfort and joy in the game. He played for the San Quentin Warriors, the prison's basketball team, which competed annually against the Golden State Warriors' players and staff. Smith impressed with his skills, earning the nickname "The Phenom".
After his release from prison in 2018, Smith pursued his dream of playing professional basketball. He tried out for the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Golden State Warriors' farm team, and worked to rebuild his life and reconcile with his family. Smith's journey from prison to pursuing a professional basketball career was documented in the 2020 Netflix series "Q Ball", which received positive reviews from viewers.
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Post-prison life and basketball
Harry Smith, a former inmate at San Quentin State Prison, is working to reclaim his life and pursue his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. After serving seven years for a domestic violence conviction, Smith was released from prison in 2018 and given a chance to try out for the Golden State Warriors' Santa Cruz farm team. Smith had been an aspiring student at San Francisco State before his conviction, and his passion for basketball remained unwavering during his time in prison.
During his incarceration, Smith played basketball whenever he could, finding solace and joy in the game. He even led the San Quentin Warriors, the prison's basketball team, to victory against the visiting Golden State Warriors staff just days before his release.
Following his release, Smith participated in a panel at The Castro Theater and starred in a documentary, "Q Ball," which chronicled the rehabilitation journeys of the San Quentin Warriors. The film, produced by NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, received positive reviews and provided a platform for Smith to share his story.
In late 2019, Smith tried out for the Santa Cruz Warriors, demonstrating his dedication to pursuing his basketball career. He also created a Go Fund Me page to seek support from loved ones and friends for his endeavours. As of 2020, Smith continues to play basketball and has a significant online presence, with thousands of followers on Instagram and Twitter.
Harry Smith's post-prison life is a testament to his resilience and determination to pursue his dreams. Through his efforts on and off the court, he is working to rebuild his life and achieve his potential, both as an athlete and in reconciling with his family.
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Frequently asked questions
Harry Smith is a basketball player and former inmate at San Quentin State Prison.
Harry Smith was convicted of domestic violence and was sentenced to 8 years in prison in 2011.
Yes, Harry Smith played basketball in prison and even played against the Golden State Warriors.
After his release from prison in 2018, Harry Smith tried out for the Golden State Warriors' Santa Cruz farm team. He also appeared in the Netflix documentary "Q Ball", which followed his journey and that of his teammates on the San Quentin Warriors.
Following the release of the documentary in 2020, Harry Smith tried out for the Santa Cruz Warriors and also created a Go Fund Me page to support his endeavours.
