Elmore Smith, born on May 9, 1949, in Macon, Georgia, would go on to become a notable figure in professional basketball, but his journey began with an unlikely start. Despite his eventual 7-foot-1-inch stature, Smith initially struggled with basketball skills, even failing to make his high school team as a freshman. His early life and subsequent collegiate career at Kentucky State University laid the foundation for his future success, marked by remarkable
rebounding records and a rapid development of his game.
An Unconventional Start in High School
Smith's high school experience at Ballard-Hudson High School in Macon was far from typical for a future NBA player. As a 5-foot-11-inch freshman, he lacked basketball skills and did not make the team. Some reports even suggest he didn't try out until two years later. His height, however, became a defining factor. After growing to 7 feet over two years, Smith recounted that his principal threatened him, saying, "If you don't go out for basketball, we're going to kick you off campus." Despite making the team, he rarely played due to his lack of fundamental skills like dribbling or shooting. This early period highlights the raw talent and physical attributes that would later be honed into a formidable player.
During his high school years, Smith also attempted to enlist in the military three times but was rejected each time because of his height. This detail further underscores his unique physical presence even before his basketball career truly began. His limited basketball background meant he received only three college scholarship offers, which he attributed to "just by being tall and coordinated." He considered Fort Valley State University, Wiley College, and Kentucky State University. Initially intending to attend Wiley College, a call from Kentucky State coach Lucias Mitchell to Smith's mother ultimately swayed his decision, leading him to Kentucky State.
Collegiate Career and Record-Breaking Rebounding
Smith's time at Kentucky State University marked a significant turning point in his basketball development. While one report suggests he attended junior college for a year before transferring, it was at Kentucky State where he rapidly progressed as a player. Under coach Lucias Mitchell, Smith dedicated himself to learning the game through drills and focused skills training. This commitment quickly transformed him into a dominant force on the court.
He became an integral part of Kentucky State's NAIA championship teams in both 1970 and 1971, playing alongside teammate Travis Grant. Smith earned recognition as a second-team Division II All-American as a sophomore in 1969–70, and then as a first-team Division II (Little) All-American in 1970–71. He was also named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team in both 1970 and 1971. His collegiate statistics were impressive: in his freshman year (1968–69), he averaged 14.8 points and 19.8 rebounds; in 1969–70, 21.6 points and 22.7 rebounds; and in 1970–71, 25.5 points and 24.2 rebounds. He finished his college career with averages of 21.3 points and 22.6 rebounds.
Smith holds several remarkable rebounding records in Division II men's college basketball history. He is listed among the top rebounders with 1,917 total rebounds and an astounding 22.6 rebound per game career average. No Division II player has surpassed his career per-game rebounding average since he left Kentucky State in 1971. Furthermore, he holds the NAIA/Division II college record for most rebounds in a single season, with 799 rebounds in 1971. This record even surpasses Walter Dukes's Division I record of 734 rebounds and Joe Manley's Division III record of 579 rebounds. His teammate, Travis Grant, also achieved significant recognition as the all-time Division II leader in points scored and points per game. Smith's exceptional performance led him to leave for the NBA in 1971, before his senior year, and he was later inducted into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
