Jimmy Smitts
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Jimmy Smitts in Suns uniform (1988)
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Position | Point Guard |
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Nickname | Smitty, Manchild |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Weight | 157 lb (71 kg) |
Nationality | United States |
Born | April 20, 1968 Kalamazoo, Michigan |
College | Kalamazoo State |
Draft | 54th overall, 1988 Phoenix Suns |
Pro career | 1988 – 1996 |
Former teams | Phoenix Suns (1988–1994) Seattle SuperSonics (94–96) |
James Emanuel Smitts (April 20, 1966 - ) Better known as Jimmy Smitts.
[edit] Early Life
Smitts was born on April 20, 1966 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Thomas Smitts and Madaline Smitts. Jimmy is the oldest of 3 children, (1 sister Emily, 1 brother Tommy Jr.). Growing up Smitts played club basketball for the Kaly Krazies and attended high school at Kalamazoo Regional High School.
[edit] College Career
Smitts played his college ball at Kalamazoo State where he averaged 7.6 PPG. During his senior season he vaulted the 0-27 Mudhens over the 2-28 Muskegon College Tigers with a buzzer beater 3-pointer in double over time for a 56-55 victory, Kalamazoo's first victory in 3 years. This led to national prominence for Smitts, well sort of. He made ESPN Sportcenter's top 10 plays with this shot and the NBA took notice.