How JUCO fans know him: Was one of the top recruited players in the country after averaging 26 points per game for Southeastern Illinois in 2003-04.
After leaving SIJC, Donta Smith bailed on a commitment to Rick Pitino and Louisville and instead entered the NBA Draft straight from the junior college ranks and was taken by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round.
After just 61 games in two years, the lanky wing player was out of the league.
Where he's been since: Smith has bounced around in professional leagues in Bulgaria, Australia and China with a couple of claims to fame since leaving the NBA.
He was released by the Shanxi Zhongyu before winning the Finals MVP with the South Dragons the very next season.
So, why would a player who's obviously good be released? Well, the team was making room for another former NBA player, this one with a slightly larger pedigree, Bonzi Wells. Wells averaged 46 a game in his first year with the team.
Smith wouldn't be away from Shanxi long, however. After leading the Dragons to a title, he returned to Shanxi the following season, where he currently plays.
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