J.R. Smith skipped college to pursue what was a successful NBA career over 16 seasons.
But the now-retired 35-year-old is planning to enroll at North Carolina A&T to reportedly play golf.
“Golf is one of those games that has you feeling really high and or can bring you down to your knees and humble you,” Smith told PGATour.com. “And to have that feeling and knowing that all of the game’s pretty much on my own hands and I don’t have to worry about teammates to pass the ball and receiving passes and playing defense so, I can play my game and just have fun.”
Smith is expected to start classes on Aug. 18, where he will pursue a degree in liberal studies.
Once the NCAA determines his eligibility, Smith has plans to join the Aggies’ golf team.
College signing day for @TheRealJRSmith. 🧢
The two-time @NBA champ is enrolling @NCATAggies with his sights set on the golf team.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 11, 2021
Smith started playing golf about 12 years ago after attending the late Moses Malone’s charity event. A 2014 Bleacher Report article delved into his passion for the sport.
Also read: Chris Paul teams up with Basketball Hall of Fame to create four-team HBCU basketball tournament
“I’ve got no free time now,” Smith said. “Raising kids and going to school, my schedule will be full. I can’t wait to be a part of the HBCU family.
“I’ve really been embraced by everybody so far on campus. I’m looking forward to start going to football games and repping Aggie Pride.”
