GAME CENTRE
THE McDonald’s Newcastle Falcons are excited to announce the signing of American import Jai Smith, who wants to use the NBL1 East as a springboard to the NBA.
The 20-year-old, 206cm power forward has been in and around the NBA for the past 18 months, representing Sacramento Kings in Summer League and Miami Heat affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G-League after he was not selected in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Born in Syracuse, New York, Smith was one of American high school basketball’s hottest prospects in 2021. He declined offers from multiple Division I colleges to join the Overtime Elite program, hoping that pathway would lead him to the NBA, and that remains his ultimate goal.
“I am very excited about coming to Newcastle. It looks like a beautiful city,” Smith said.
“I just want to win and dominate and give 110% every time I touch the floor. My goal with the team is to be champions, and for myself to improve every day and become the best player I can be.”
Falcons coach Josh Morgan explained that a long association with the Simmons family helped Smith find his way to Newcastle. Smith is managed by Sean Tribe, Dave’s son and Ben’s brother. Dave played for the Falcons in the NBL in 1998-99 and coached Morgan in the Hunter Pirates in 2003-05.
“Jai is incredibly grateful for his opportunity with us, and is eager to learn, get stuck into our season, and integrate fully into our community,” Morgan said.
“Jai is originally from Syracuse but comes to us via the Overtime Elite Basketball League in the US. His agent, Sean Tribe, who has a long history with our city and our club, reached out to us some time ago now to discuss some options for Jai, and the rest is history.
“Physically, Jai is very fit and athletic, and he will further strengthen our rebounding and hopefully alter a lot of shots defensively throughout the course of the year.”
Morgan said Smith would strengthen the team’s inside presence and give wing Ryan Beisty more freedom.
“We identified early that we wanted to bring in a 4-man so we could utilise Ryan’s versatility a little more, and we are excited by what Jai is going to bring,” Morgan said.
“Jai has had a taste of the G-League with Sioux Falls and Austin Spurs as a development player but is now looking at getting more games and furthering his development. He will hopefully complement the rest of our front court and indeed the whole team.”
Newcastle Basketball General Manager Matt Neason is thrilled with Smith’s signing.
“Having someone of Jai’s profile choose Newcastle for the next phase of his development is a major coup for the association and affirms that the Falcons are a brand that people want to be associated with,” Neason said.
“When we recruit, we obviously want players who can help us win, but we also want players who will excite the fans and build connection with our community. Jai ticks all of those boxes.”
CLICK HERE for Jai Smith Overtime Elite YouTube highlights
CLICK HERE for Jai Smith Overtime Elite profile page
Photo graphic: Sproule Sports Focus
Main photo: Overtime Elite
