J. R. Smith

Earl Joseph "J. R." Smith III (born September 9, 1985) is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played high school basketball at New Jersey basketball powerhouse Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark. Smith was recruited by the University of North Carolina but opted to enter the 2004 NBA draft. Over his career, Smith has also played for the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. Smith also played overseas for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association due to the 2011 NBA lockout.

High school career

Smith grew up in the Clarksburg section of Millstone Township, New Jersey, where he attended Millstone Middle School and graduated in 1999. From there, he moved on to Steinert High School and McCorristin Catholic High School before transferring to Lakewood High School. Smith played high school basketball for the first time at Lakewood High School. He later transferred to Saint Benedict's Preparatory School and played basketball there as well. During his career there, he averaged over 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. In the fall of 2003, Smith signed a letter of intent to play at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.