Men’s Basketball Adds Transfer Jalen Smith
5/2/2024 12:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HOUSTON — Rice men's basketball coach Rob Lanier has announced Thursday afternoon the addition of transfer Jalen Smith (Orlando, Fla./SMU) to a grant-in-aid for the 2024-25 school year.
Smith, a 6-4 guard, spent the last three years at SMU, playing the last two for Lanier. Last year, he played in all 33 games, averaging 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.0% from three and 71.1% from the free throw line. He scored in double-figures eight times, including a career-high 15 points against UTSA.
In his career, he saw action in 94 games, making 35 starts. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds while connecting on 35.5% from three and 71.4% from the free throw line.
"Jalen is a truly unique person and player," said Lanier. "In today's game, it's rare to find a young man who is so athletically gifted that approaches the game so selflessly. Basketball-wise, Jalen is a good shooter, a skilled ball handler, a very good passer, and an elite defensive talent. My family and our staff feel a very strong personal bond with Jalen. We are extremely excited to be able to continue our journey together."
Smith joins guard/forward Kellen Amos (Houston, Texas/Central Connecticut State), guards Denver Anglin (Montclair, N.J./SMU), Anthony Baston, Jr. (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Trae Broadnax (Savannah, Ga./USC Upstate), and Aaron Powell (Valley Village, Calif.), and forwards Trey Patterson (Somerset, N.J./Villanova) and Caden Powell (Waco, Texas/Wyoming) in the 2024-25 recruiting class.
Smith, a 6-4 guard, spent the last three years at SMU, playing the last two for Lanier. Last year, he played in all 33 games, averaging 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.0% from three and 71.1% from the free throw line. He scored in double-figures eight times, including a career-high 15 points against UTSA.
In his career, he saw action in 94 games, making 35 starts. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds while connecting on 35.5% from three and 71.4% from the free throw line.
"Jalen is a truly unique person and player," said Lanier. "In today's game, it's rare to find a young man who is so athletically gifted that approaches the game so selflessly. Basketball-wise, Jalen is a good shooter, a skilled ball handler, a very good passer, and an elite defensive talent. My family and our staff feel a very strong personal bond with Jalen. We are extremely excited to be able to continue our journey together."
Smith joins guard/forward Kellen Amos (Houston, Texas/Central Connecticut State), guards Denver Anglin (Montclair, N.J./SMU), Anthony Baston, Jr. (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Trae Broadnax (Savannah, Ga./USC Upstate), and Aaron Powell (Valley Village, Calif.), and forwards Trey Patterson (Somerset, N.J./Villanova) and Caden Powell (Waco, Texas/Wyoming) in the 2024-25 recruiting class.
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