Russ Smith heading to Luoyang

Russ Smith (183 cm, Louisville ’14) is on the move to Luoyang (China-NBL). The move to China follows 25 games this season with the Deleware 87ers (USA-D-league). Smith played with the 87ers over the last two seasons and scored at an impressive rate. This year, the guard averaged 17.1 ppg while dishing out 6.2 apg. His three-point shot was not as consistent, shot 29 percent, but he found ways to score from the mid-range.

Last season with the 87ers was more notable for Smith. His three-point percentage was much higher at 30.5 percent. This meant he was scoring from everywhere consistently as he averaged 28.1 ppg in 36.4 mpg. Smith also contributed to the rest of his team with 8.0 apg in what was his second year playing professionally.

Luoyang will be the second team outside of the U.S. to bring in Smith during his career. He started the 2016/2017 season playing with Galatasaray (Turkey-BSL). However, he only stayed with the Turkish team for nine games including seven in the Euroleague. Smith did not see much playing time but still squeaked out 7.0 ppg in 8.9 mpg in the Euroleague.