About Zhaire Smith

Zhaire Jahi-ihme Smith (born June 4, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Texas Legends of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for Texas Tech before being drafted 16th overall by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

High school career
Smith attended Lakeview Centennial High School, where he was coached by J. T. Locklear. He averaged 20.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a senior. Smith earned District 10-6A MVP honors and was voted the best dunker in the Dallas region by area coaches. Coming out of high school, Smith was a three-star recruit and chose Texas Tech over Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Memphis, Oregon, and Texas.

College career
In his freshman season at Texas Tech, he averaged 11.3 points and five rebounds per game. He was an honorable mention Big-12 selection and was named to the conference's All-Defensive team. Alongside Keenan Evans, Smith led Texas Tech to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to eventual champion Villanova. Smith had a career-high 21 points and to go along with eight rebounds, three steals and two assists in a February 7 win over Iowa State. He flirted with a triple-double with 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a 69–66 victory in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament versus Florida, and posted several highlight-reel dunks.

Following the season, he declared for the 2018 NBA draft without initially hiring an agent. In late April it was announced that Smith signed with Roc Nation Sports, thus ending his collegiate eligibility.