FLORENCE, Ala. (August 9, 2024) – Another University of North Alabama men’s basketball player has joined the professional ranks.
Less than one month after Damien Forrest announced his professional signing in Germany, his former teammate Tim Smith Jr. signed a professional contract on Friday with Dragons Rhöndorf. The two are both in Germany, but in different leagues.
Smith Jr. will play in Bad Honnef, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany at the Pro B level. His preseason play begins August 23.
“I’ve been working for this moment my entire life,†said Smith Jr. “I can’t wait to take the next step in my career. This opportunity means the world to me. My year at UNA showed me what I’m capable of and that I can play at any level.â€
Smith Jr. transferred to North Alabama from Walsh University at the Division II level, and had no problem making his presence felt as a Division I starter. The Cleveland, Ohio native appeared in 31 games with 29 starts, scoring 9.4 points per game to go with 4.7 rebounds. He shot 46.4 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent behind the arc, going 52-117 to make nearly half of his triples.
While at UNA, Smith Jr. had 15 double-digit scoring games, including three against Power Five opponents Mississippi State, Kansas State and Indiana. He also added 11 points and three triples in a thrilling Atlantic Sun Conference Quarterfinal win over Lipscomb.
“We are incredibly proud and excited for Tim on his accomplishment with signing his first professional contract,†said UNA head coach Tony Pujol. “It is a testament to his work ethic and he is prepared for this opportunity. We are proud to have another Lion continuing their basketball career in the professional ranks.â€
