Former Louisville basketball star got his one shining moment in the NBA Summer League a few nights ago when he finally got minutes in a game and dropped 17 points while splashing five 3-pointers. Smith hadn't seen the court once, as he logged zero minutes in the first four games of the Summer League, but when he finally got an opportunity, he made the best of it.
Smith played at Louisville for just one season, but he has been coached by the Cardinals' head coach, Pat Kelsey, for four years. He was one of the few players to follow Kelsey from Charleston to Louisville, and Kelsey has made it clear that he will always vouch for and support the 3-point specialist.
Well, after Smith's explosive performance on Friday night, Kelsey went to his social media and gave his former player high praise once more, expressing complete confidence that Smith should be an NBA player.
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Pat Kelsey just sent the NBA message that Reyne Smith belongs in the NBA
Kelsey earned Smith's commitment to Charleston back in March 2021 and went on to have three productive seasons with Kelsey before transferring to Louisville. The Ulverstone native earned 1,212 points, 294 made threes, 192 rebounds, 149 assists, and 68 steals during his time with Charleston. However, once Kelsey took the Cardinals' job, Smith quickly followed the coach who gave him a shot at college basketball.
Smith then went on to average 13.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 37.9 percent from the field. He splashed 3.5 3-pointers per game, which ranked third in college basketball, while his 107 3-pointers made last season ranked No. 15 in the nation.
Well, after his four seasons with Kelsey, it didn't take long for Smith's old head coach to have his back after his breakout performance in Las Vegas and give him high praise and try to earn him a spot on an NBA G-League team.
"I’ve been around Reyne for four years." Kelsey stated on X," Every morning he starts his work before the sun comes up. Every. Single. Day. Didn’t play the first several games in Vegas but as usual he was ready when his name was called. He can play in any league in the world."
I’ve been around Reyne for four years. Every morning he starts his work before the sun comes up. Every. Single. Day. Didn’t play the first several games in Vegas but as usual he was ready when his name was called. He can play in any league in the world. https://t.co/WIeANQhAUi
— Pat Kelsey (@patkelsey) July 20, 2025
Kelsey made it clear that he will always have Smith's back. 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard's 17-point performance was a statement game, as coming off the bench after not seeing any time in the previous four games is extremely hard to do.
However, Smith proved he is an elite 3-point specialist, and he had the game and college numbers to prove it. Smith ended his college career with 401 3-pointers made, and Kelsey was by his side for every one of them.
Smith proved Friday night that he needs the opportunity, and he will prove he can be a team's sharpshooter off the bench, and Kelsey just gave him a massive recommendation. Smith will now attempt to secure an NBA G League contract or sign overseas, aiming to make his way back to the NBA.
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