Theron Smith (2021) - Hall of Fame - Ball State University Athletics

Theron Smith

Induction:
2021

One of the top scorers and rebounders in program history, Theron Smith helped the men's basketball team to some of the highest highs in his career from 1999-2003. Smith was a two-time All-MAC selection, a CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major All-American in 2002 and a Wooden Award candidate in 2003. Despite playing just three games as a senior, Smith ranks seventh in school history in both points (1,599) and rebounds (882) in a career. His 377 points during his MAC Freshman of the Year season in 1999-2000 are the most by any BSU rookie besides Hall of Famer Ray McCallum, while his 381 rebounds in 2001-02 are the most in a season by any Cardinal other than Hall of Famer Ed Butler.

Smith played memorable roles on Ball State's NCAA Tournament team in 1999-2000 and on the Maui Invitational runner-up and NIT quarterfinal team in 2001-02. He led the way with 19.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game for the 2001-02 team which knocked off No. 4 Kansas and No. 3 UCLA on consecutive days in Maui and made the deepest postseason run in program history. His 23 double-doubles that year ranked second nationally. Smith went on to play professionally for more than a decade, including NBA stops with the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats and stints internationally in France, China, Romania, Venezuela and Argentina.