Jerry Smith (basketball player)

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Jerry Smith
Jerry Smith shoots a buzzer-beater to win against Marquette University on February 17, 2007
College	Louisville
Conference	Big East Conference
Sport	Basketball
Position	Shooting guard
Class	Freshman
Major	Undecided
Career	2006 – present
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Nationality	United States
Born	September 26, 1987
High School	Wauwatosa East High School, Wauwatosa, WI

Jerry Smith (born September 26, 1987) is a freshman on the University of Louisville men's basketball team. In his debut as a Cardinal, Smith broke the record for most points scored by a freshman in his first game. He has established himself as a consistent perimeter threat for the Cardinals, shooting 49% (48 of 98) for the season. He is also one of the most reliable free-throw shooters on the squad, connecting on over 80% of his attempts (27 of 33). His reputation and popularity were further increased when he hit a deep, buzzer-beating 3-pointer on February 17, 2007, that gave the Louisville Cardinals a 61-59 upset victory over Marquette University. For the season, Smith averages 8.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for Rick Pitino's Cards.

[edit] Recruitment

Jerry Smith played for Wauwatosa East High School where he holds the school's career scoring record.^[1] When Smith was in eighth grade, coach Tom Crean of Marquette offered him a scholarship, but after Crean signed three guards (Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews), Crean’s interest in Smith dwindled. Smith eventually signed with Louisville.

After the February 17 game, Crean gave credit to Jerry, saying that he "made a tough shot." Smith said he was speechless and that "I never dreamed about this."^[2]