Donte Smith dominated his first game as a Trojan in 2008.
While it was just an exhibition against Azusa Pacific, the junior college transfer looked like the natural point guard USC had been missing as he dished out 12 assists.
"When I first got here, I was so used to starting," said Smith, who played in place of Daniel Hackett that day. "When I went to the bench, it affected my confidence. I thought that I was not good enough to play at this level."
Two plus years later, the senior has turned into one of the best sixth men in the conference and is now back in the starting lineup for his final games at Troy.
"I am a team player and I felt like we kind of needed someone to come off the bench to be successful," he learned to embrace the opportunity.
Whatever the role, Smith is averaging 27 minutes per game and sits in a third place tie for three-pointers made in the conference this season.
"He became a senior," said head coach Kevin O'Neill "Over the summer, he worked his tail off. He did what you should do if you want to become a better player."
On the list of improvements, Smith has completely made over his body since O'Neill's arrival, which has helped him physically and mentally.
"It helped my confidence when I lost all that weight and I got stronger, faster and more athletic," said Smith, who has his sights set on a professional career overseas.
Attending a USC game or practice, you would never peg Smith for lacking in self-belief. He is constantly talking.
"He is a better leader than I thought he would be," admitted O'Neill. "He brings emotion all the time. He's upbeat. And, he really wants his senior season to end the right way."
As a leader, Smith does not want to look past Thursday's showdown with Arizona, but he knows his final home game is looming Saturday evening.
"It's crazy right! It has been a long journey for me."
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While it was just an exhibition against Azusa Pacific, the junior college transfer looked like the natural point guard USC had been missing as he dished out 12 assists.
"When I first got here, I was so used to starting," said Smith, who played in place of Daniel Hackett that day. "When I went to the bench, it affected my confidence. I thought that I was not good enough to play at this level."Two plus years later, the senior has turned into one of the best sixth men in the conference and is now back in the starting lineup for his final games at Troy.
"I am a team player and I felt like we kind of needed someone to come off the bench to be successful," he learned to embrace the opportunity.
Whatever the role, Smith is averaging 27 minutes per game and sits in a third place tie for three-pointers made in the conference this season.
"He became a senior," said head coach Kevin O'Neill "Over the summer, he worked his tail off. He did what you should do if you want to become a better player."
On the list of improvements, Smith has completely made over his body since O'Neill's arrival, which has helped him physically and mentally.
"It helped my confidence when I lost all that weight and I got stronger, faster and more athletic," said Smith, who has his sights set on a professional career overseas.
Attending a USC game or practice, you would never peg Smith for lacking in self-belief. He is constantly talking.
"He is a better leader than I thought he would be," admitted O'Neill. "He brings emotion all the time. He's upbeat. And, he really wants his senior season to end the right way."
As a leader, Smith does not want to look past Thursday's showdown with Arizona, but he knows his final home game is looming Saturday evening.
"It's crazy right! It has been a long journey for me."
The seniors will be honored prior to Saturday's game (4:30 p.m. tip). (Photos by Jon SooHoo)
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