Yesterday was the one year anniversary of Louisville raising Russ Smith’s #2 jersey into the rafters of the KFC Yum! Center.
No. 2️⃣ Russdiculous 🙌
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) January 22, 2023
One year ago today, @LouisvilleMBB retired Russ Smith's jersey 🔴 ⚫ @Specter_Smit pic.twitter.com/ScwFfvvyiB
His journey to Louisville basketball immortality took a different path than most players would. Scarcely recruited out of high school, Head Coach Rick Pitino and the University of Louisville were the only Division I program to extend a scholarship offer to the New York native.
Despite being given a three-star rating by 247 Sports, the under-sized shooting guard etched his name into an elite group of college basketball athletes. Not only was he an integral part of Louisville’s 2013 National Championship team (whether the banner is up or not), but he also made sure no other player that is going to come through the Louisville basketball program will wear the number 2.
Russ Smith simultaneously electrified Cardinal fans, while at the same time also left us scratching our heads at times. But, that’s just who Russ Smith is. He could cross you up on one play, and at the next timeout he would put bunny ears over your head. Rick Pitino said that he “doesn’t think he as laughed as much in coaching a player” and he “doesn’t thnk he has cried as much in coaching a player.”
That sums up Russ Smith. He was a tale of two spectrums, yet he found his way into everyone’s heart. One of the greatest college careers as a Louisville Cardinal, and one of the most unlikeliest. But, that speaks to his unquestioned work ethic, which was noticed by his fellow teammates and coaching staff.
He wanted to be successful, he fought for it, and he got it. What a legend Russ Smith was and what a legend he still is. Hats off to ya, Russ.