BURLINGTON, N.C. (AP) J.R. Smith stepped into a hornets nest in his first college golf tournament and it had nothing to do with his high score. The 36-year-old two-time NBA champion was literally stung by hornets while completing his round Tuesday for North Carolina A&T on the second day of Elons Phoenix Invitational. RELATED: J.R. Smith says he watches Golf Channel instead of the NBA Playoffs. BURLINGTON, N.C. J.R. Smith couldnt help but feel anxious. GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF, Two-time NBA champ J.R. Smith is officially taking his talents to college golf. Former NBA guardJ.R. Smith made his college golf debut for North Carolina A&T on Monday at the Elon Phoenix Invitational, and that sentence alone might be worth its own book some day. Its a lot different than playing a round with your buddies at the random public courses.. Then along came the virus. Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith has transitioned from the court to the golf course and classroom effortlessly. JR Smith officially begins college at North Carolina A&T, joins The Aggies finished 11th in the 13-team field, 57 shots off the pace set by tournament champion Elon. Smith actually beat a handful of competitors in the first round and headed right back out there for a second 18-hole round Monday. DAMN IM BEYOND PROUD OF MY BROTHER!. But, put meaning to it, and the heart rate changes. "I dont give a damn whether he wants to stay or go," Smith said. Perhaps it brought some pressure on the other two guys, but clearly not enough as Rabadan shot 65-66 to lead the event by four. I was, he said. If you havent been there, youre not a golfer. J.R. Smith to make college golf debut. Smith, who spent 16 years in the NBA, made his college golfing debut in the tournament hosted by Elon. A Warner Bros. WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about guard JR Smith on ESPN. The two-time NBA champion finished 81st out of 84 in his first competitive college tournament back in October, adding insult to injury when he stepped on a hornets nest midway through his second round. In his second round of the day, it followed a similar pattern: a good start with a difficult finish. Smith been tweeting all kinds of revelations since his first week on campus. 6-keys: media/spln/golf/reg/free/stories, at We also know that his game is no joke. Smith hung in there strong for 10 holes, and was in the middle of the pack on the leaderboard at just one over before things took a turn for the worse. JR Smith had a big, bright personality during his 16-year NBA career. In the second round, we saw much of the same from the first round: a solid start followed by a leaky finish. Obviously different environments from playing in front of 20,000 people to playing in a college golf gallery. Smith had the sixth-best score out of six players on his team. Now, instead of first-class cross-country travel for nightly games against the worlds best basketball players, Smith who turns 36 next month is focused on completing class assignments and working on his golf game. The Jazz acquire cash considerations and a future second-round pick in the trade with the Thunder. The news comes a week after apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be its golf ambassador through a name, image and likeness deal. Elons Pedro Rabadan led after the first 18 holes with a J.R. Smith's hard work this year has paid off. The former NBA player turned college student athlete was named North Carolina A&T's Academic Athlete of the Year. Smith earned a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in liberal studies and competing on the golf team. The 36-year-old former NBA star responded to the news with a smile emoji. Masters: Wanna play Augusta National? Proud of you Kid!!! @WFMY @ncatsuaggies pic.twitter.com/s7q6rpk1pa, Brian Hall (@bhallwfmy) October 11, 2021, He has a good enough golf game to put up some good numbers, said head coach Richard Watkins a week before Smiths debut. Former NBA star J.R. Smith on how basketball is likegolf?! WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about guard JR Smith on ESPN. Smith, 36, enrolled at North Carolina A&T; on Aug. 11, pursuing a degree in liberal studies with the intention of joining the golf team while awaiting a decision from the NCAA regarding his eligibility. That, in and of itself, is success. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: golf | pageType: stories | Until then, Smith will be busy juggling school work most of his courses are online currently and working on his golf game. Two-time NBA champion JR Smith made his college golf debut on Monday exactly a year to the day after he won an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers. Elons Pedro Rabadan led after the first 18 holes with a 6-under 65. ", YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith!! pic.twitter.com/RDNJGhiRaw. Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith has transitioned from the court to the golf course and classroom effortlessly. Ex-NBAer turned college golfer JR Smith named North Carolina A&T's Academic Plus, from the looks of the video below and a handful of tweets from those on-site, Smith really had it going to start the day before things got away from him. The grip on the club changes, and we get to see who you really are.. How about during freshman year? He died aged 67. The third and final round will get underway at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. After making the team, the 36-year-old made his debut at the Elon Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies hits a tee shot on, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies hits a tee shot on the 6th hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Wednesday night's slate. Did you encounter any technical issues? Its not even a week yet but as I get into it I keep getting eager to learn more, and join study groups and try to understand and try to really embrace the lifestyle, he said. Its not even a week yet but as I get into it, I keep getting eager to learn more, and join study groups and try to understand and try to really embrace the lifestyle, Smith said. Its not Rose Zhang at Stanford or Pierceson Coody at Texas, two of the best college players on the planet. The most famous collegiate golfer plays at North Carolina A&T: J.R. Smith. 9M; Love bro -via Twitter @KingJames / April 26, 2022. Smith earned a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in liberal studies and competing on the golf team. Our man started one over through the first nine holes of his round, but then promptly double-bogeyed the par-3 14th (his 10th). J.R. Smith Made His College Golf Debut and it Was Pretty Fascinating Morning Read's Ward Clayton was there when the 36-year-old former NBA star shot an Now, in his second semester at the HBCU, the two-time NBA champion is already earning accolades in the classroom. About. We cant believe were saying this, but Smith might be better at playing school than playing golf. For those thinking Smiths time in Greensboro is a publicity stunt or that the former NBA star is taking someones place, dont get it twisted. Here's what you need to know from the last week in college golf. The 13-time All-Star, who was dealt to Phoenix on Feb. 9, has not played in a game since Jan. 8 when he was with the Nets. Smith, a He played cleanly enough toward the end to finish with a 78 to move up the a couple spots on the leaderboard. pic.twitter.com/RDNJGhiRaw. The two-time NBA champion is returning to the state where he was originally slated to play college basketball. Published Smith made six Love bro. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Four holes into the second round, he had made three pars and a birdie. 6:33 AM EDT, Tue October 12, 2021. Smith is a walk on and earned his position not only on the team, but in this weeks lineup. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard played professionally for a host of NBA teams, winning NBA titles with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He also hoped to play on the golf team, but approval from the NCAA regarding the 35-year-olds eligibility was the final hurdle he had to navigate. Proud of you Kid!!! Today he competed in his first tournament as an Aggie, and recently explained his goals and purpose to Claude Harmon on Harmons podcast Off Course: Will we get revelations from his golf experience? The Spurs are showcasing the importance of Black culture in their community for the month of February. Anthony Ford, competing as an individual, shot an 11-over 82. followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. 2023 Cable News Network. In January, Smith signed an NIL deal with Excel Sports Management. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Zak is a writer at GOLF Magazine, currently working on a book about the summer he spent in St. Andrews. Two-time NBA champion JR Smith made his college golf debut on Monday exactly a year to the day after he won an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former sixth man of the year was named North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year with a 4.0 GPA on Monday. October 08, 2021. On Aug. 24, just a day after starting classes, he was cleared to play golf for the Aggies.Source: Casey Musarra @ New York Post, Front Office Sports: North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year, with a 4.0 GPA: JR Smith, Mens Golf (: @Turkin35) -via Twitter / April 26, 2022, The news comes a week after apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be its golf ambassador through a name, image and likeness deal. JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 22, 2021, My first deadline is at midnight pic.twitter.com/Za7n4XDQ1j, JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 23, 2021, For me, because I have a wild imagination, its going to be very interesting, Smith said. When J.R. Smith announced his plans to enroll at North Carolina A&T State University in order to play college golf late last summer, the jokes came rolling in. North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year, with a 4.0, The news comes a week after apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be its golf ambassador through a name, image and likeness deal. Age: 21; Year: Junior; Hometown: Hampton, Georgia FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. Although hes had experience of playing in some of basketballs biggest moments in front of millions of people, Smith admitted he was nervous before teeing off. Ben Jared. Thats right. Pulling up to the range at my first college tournament! All Rights Reserved. section: | slug: j-r-smith-shoots-83-78-in-college-debut-for-north-carolina-a-t-at-elon-phoenix-invitational | sport: golf | route: article_single.us | He scored more than 12,000 regular-season points while playing for five NBA teams. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. Smith clearly loves it enough to dive in regardless and risk, failure or frustration for the opportunity at success in a world where it is so fleeting. One of the coolest non-tour golf stories of the year belongs to J.R. Smith. As for Smiths college golf career, that remains to be seen. Instead, he chose to enter the 2004 NBA draft and was picked by the then-New Orleans Hornets at No. The NCAA bars athletes from competing in college sports if theyve played in the pro ranks, but the rules only apply to the sport the player made money in professionally. A lot of hard work went into that s--- you know Monday through Friday eight to eleven, sometimes longer, straight schoolwork. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. The Aggies first golf match comes Sept. 24-25 at the Black College Golf Coaches Association Invitational in Newnan, Georgia. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Smith went straight from St. Benedicts Preparatory School in New Jersey to the NBA, where he was drafted 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004. -via ESPN / April 26, 2022, LeBron James: YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith !! Whatever you do, dont go rushing to conclusions about Smiths game. To the surprise of absolutely no one, that old Cardale Jones tweet made quite the comeback. J.R. Smith is becoming a college student and he's hoping to become a college athlete as well. The 2-time NBA Champion is now a freshman walk-on for the North Carolina A&T mens golf team.. J.R. Smith, the 35-year-old retired NBA champion, officially got NCAA approval to play college golf at North Carolina A&T on Monday. JR thought he was just short of his 4.0 goal this semester only to be surprised with the good news today @TheRealJRSmith pic.twitter.com/0mLyPSV9R6, In a video posted the same day, Smith was clearly emotional. When you're not used to going to school and doing all that s---, ahh man freshman year you don't think you can do it, you always hear about your disabilities.". The athlete known to hoops fans as "JR Swish" is the first male golfer to sign a brand ambassador deal with Lululemon. Smith made six consecutive bogeys, finally breaking that streak with a double bogey on the 3rd hole (his 17th) before finishing off with another bogey to shoot a 10-over 81. WebBelow is a comprehensive draft profile for Anderson, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, combine results, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook. After retiring from basketball the35-year-old decided to enroll at North Carolina A&T and walk on as a freshman. Smith skipped going to college and went straight from high school to the NBA in 2004 but said he began thinking about going to college during a trip to the Dominican Republic with Hall of Famer Ray Allen. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies marks his ball before the, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies marks his ball before the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Because if Im going to give it a shot, thats the only way its going to work.. Note: This profile will be updated as more information becomes available. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. J.R. Smith is a two-time NBA champion and a former Sixth Man of the year who earned millions of dollars over the course of his 16 seasons. Still, it was a pretty decent start for somebody who, on this day a year ago, was busy winning Game 6 of the NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers -- his second of two titles in his nearly two decades in the NBA. The two-time @NBA champ is enrolling @NCATAggies with his sights set on the golf team. What do we make of the PGA Tours new Designated Events Model? The thought of studying for some pointless accounting final as an English major still haunts my dreams, especially as an adult with adult aches, pains, and responsibilities. Smith hung in there strong for 10 holes, and was in the middle of the pack on the leaderboard at just one over before things took a turn for the worse. What do we make of the PGA Tours new Designated Events Model? 9 to within a foot from the pin. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies warms up with his fellow, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies warms up with his fellow competitors before the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. 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