Greg Smith is a professional basketball player from the United States who currently plays for the Mineros de Zacatecas in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP).
The player attended Fresno State before playing in the NBA and international platform.
According to Greg, one should always believe in themselves. He says one can be the best if worked with passion and dedication regardless of the circumstances.
Here, we have compiled all the information you need to know about Greg (his professional and personal life).
Let’s begin with some quick facts about the player!
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Gregory Stephen Smith |
| Birth Date | January 8, 1991 |
| Birth Place | Vallejo, California |
| Nick Name | Greg |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| High School |
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| College | California State University |
| Playing Career | 2011 – present |
| Zodiac | Capricorn |
| Chinese Zodiac | Goat |
| Father’s Name | Not known |
| Mother’s Name | Cheryl Duckworth |
| Siblings | Two (An older sister, Ashely Smith and a younger brother, Divante Smith) |
| Age | 33 years old |
| Height | 6’11” |
| Weight | 114 kg |
| Shoe Size | 14 (US) |
| Food Habits | Non-veg |
| NBA Draft | Undrafted (2011) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Career Highlights and Awards |
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| Build | Athletic |
| Marital Status | Unknown |
| Wife | Unknown |
| Children | Two |
| Position | Center, Power forward |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Net Worth | $1 – $5 million |
| Salary | Under review |
| League | NBA, LNBP |
| Active Since | 2011 |
| Social Media | |
| Merch of Houston Rockets | T-Shirt |
| Last Update | July 2024 |
Greg Smith: Early Life and Family
Gregory Stephen Smith was born on January 8, 1991, in Vallejo, California. His mother’s name is Cheryl Duckworth. However, his father’s name is not known.
The player has an older sister, Ashely Smith, and a younger brother, Divante Smith.
Likewise, Steve Shelley, his uncle, was a Fresno Statewide receiver from 1988 to 1989 before signing with the San Diego Chargers in 1990.
Upon the death of his mother, Greg expressed his grief on Instagram and wrote:
“I’m hurting knowing somebody took you from us and I’ll never be the same, but i know you’ll be watching over us and loving us from heaven! I love you so much and i just wish i could get one more hug from you because there is nothing like a mothers love! Rest in heaven Queen ❤️❤️❤️💔💔”
Greg Smith: High School Career
From 2005 to 2008, Greg attended Edison High School in Fresno, California. In 2007–08, Smith averaged 22 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks per game as a junior.
Smith transferred to Westwind Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, Arizona in 2008. At Arizona, he received All-Arizona State accolades.
The player was also nominated for the McDonald’s All-America Team as a senior in 2008–09 after averaging 26 points, 14.4 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game.
Greg Smith: College Career
Greg was voted the WAC Rookie of the Year and a Freshman All-American in his first year at Fresno State.
Moreover, Smith was also named second-team All-WAC his sophomore year. In 30.4 minutes a game, he averaged 11.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 31 games.
Smith declared for the NBA draft in March 2011, foregoing his last two years of collegiate eligibility.
Professional Basketball Career
After finishing two years of college, Greg focused on his childhood ambition of being a professional basketball player.
Although he went undrafted in the NBA Draft, he didn’t let it deter him. He fought and worked hard to become an NBA player.
The NBA lockout season in 2011 forced Greg to play his rookie season in Mexico for the Soles de Mexicali. When the lockout ended, he embarked on his quest to make the NBA squad.
Following that, Greg joined the D League Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2012, where he won All NBA D League First Team honors, which led to his first NBA deal with the Houston Rockets.
Hence, Greg had the chance to play for three NBA franchise teams over the period of five years: the Houston Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After a number of setbacks due to injury, he refocused on playing professionally overseas, making stops in Turkey, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
The player joined Istanbul BB of the Turkish League on October 7, 2016. He played in seven games for Istanbul before being released in late November.
Injuries
Greg rejoined the Rockets for the 2013 NBA Summer League in July 2013. Soon after, on November 14, 2013, the player hurt his right knee during a game against the New York Knicks.
As a result, he was forced to be assisted off the court. The player also missed a month of activity.
Greg returned to the lineup on December 15. However, Smith re-injured his knee a month later in January. As a result, he was sidelined indefinitely. The Rockets released him on April 10, 2014.
The athlete signed with the Chicago Bulls for the remainder of the 2013–14 season on April 14, 2014. However, his knee injury that occurred in January prevented him from playing any games.
The player did not play for the Bulls in 2013–14, missing the team’s last two regular-season games and all five playoff games against the Washington Wizards.
Similarly, an experience with another set of injuries while overseas inspired him to share his story and teach the youth and others that they should fight and never give up no matter what they go through.
Greg Smith: Body Measurements and More
Smith’s physical and athletic abilities make him a great basketball player. The player is 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 114 kg.
Similarly, his hands are huge and when combined with his girth and length, the player has a wide radius on post entrance passes. His hand length is 9.75 inches and
hand width is 12 inches.
The player has many tattoos carved on his body. For instance, Greg has a large tattoo with the words “Family First” carved on his chest. The tattoo depicts his love for his family.
Likewise, Greg also has a tattoo that says “BLESSED” on his left arm. Smith has a charismatic personality which makes him likable to many. The player’s zodiac is Capricorn.
Awards
- 2019 BSN All-Star
- 2012 All-NBA D-League First Team
- 2012 NBA D-League All-Rookie First Team
- 2011 Second-team All-WAC
- 2012 NBA D-League All-Star
- 2010 WAC Freshman of the Year
- 2010 WAC All-Newcomer Team
FREEWAY
Greg designed the FREEWAY brand, which is a brand for everyone. The brand’s website mentions that FREEWAY is a way of life.
It is based on the notion that you should take charge of your life and be the greatest version of yourself.
You can find various collections of hoodies, t-shirts, beanies, sweatpants, etc. for both men and women via the FREEWAY website.
Greg Smith: Kids
The player has two children, a son and a daughter. He often shares pictures with his children on social media and showcases his love for them. However, he has never revealed personal details of his kids.
Since the player has to travel quite often while playing overseas, he cannot always be near to his kids. Once, the player wrote:
“I wish i could just give you guys a huge hug and kiss right now!! Couldn’t imagine life without you two ❤️❤️❤️ my kids are my everything!”
Likewise, on the occasion of father’s day, the player came out on Instagram and expressed that the best job in the world is being a father to his two beautiful kids. Hence, we can say that Greg loves his kids indefinitely.
Arrested in a Fraud Scheme
Greg Smith was one of over a dozen former NBA players arrested in 2021 in connection with a fraud conspiracy.
Greg and 17 other former NBA players face federal charges after allegedly defrauding the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan of roughly $4 million.
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Audrey Strauss, held a news conference to discuss the facts of the investigation.
She talked about how the former athletes filed bogus claims for root canals and other dental operations that they never had.
Smith reportedly submitted a bogus claim for over $50,000 in dental work that he said he underwent on December 20, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
However, according to the investigators, the player was in Taiwan on that day.
Social Media
- Instagram: ju_smith4
Net Worth
Greg’s exact net worth is unknown. However, judging from the player’s successful playing career, his estimated net worth is somewhere between $1-$5 million.
As already mentioned, the player runs an online store, FREEWAY clothing, which adds to his net worth. Moreover, the player also earns from sponsorships and endorsement deals.
His estimated total career earnings in the NBA are $3,236,608. Unfortunately, his real estate, investments, and other assets are currently under review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greg Smith married?
The player’s marital status is currently unknown. The player is not seen going out with any women and he has not revealed to be dating anyone.
Hence, we can assume that the player is currently single. However, Greg had at least one previous relationship.
What was Greg Smith’s Jersey number?
Greg wore Jersey no. 4.
