From Unsigned Talent to Division I Athlete

Zaquavian Smith is a Division I basketball player at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, near New Orleans. Smith transferred there after graduating from South Georgia State College in Waycross. Zaquavian also played basketball and ran track at Statesboro High School. He was the 2014 AAAA State Champ in the 400 meters as well as an All-State basketball player.

Q: How did you get started in sports?

I was always a Boys and Girls Club/Blitch Street athlete. In 6th grade, I started running track, competing in the 200, 400, high jump and both relays. I did not tryout for basketball at William James until 7th grade.

Q: At what point did you feel like you were a little bit better than everyone else as an athlete?

I was always a competitor, no matter the sport, track or basketball. I was always going to go hard. I had a high motor. I was not always the fastest runner or the best player, but I would always be able to compete with the best.

Q: Why didn't you ever play football? With your speed and competitiveness, it seems you would have been a natural.

I never liked it. It was always fun to play at the park. Organized football wasn't ever fun to me.

Q: When you entered high school, you made an impact on the basketball court and track. Many kids don't adjust well from middle school to high school. What led to your early success?

My friends and family helped me succeed. I had older friends at GSU. They would sneak me in the RAC almost everyday. After a full day of school and practice, I would be in the RAC hooping until closing time. My family always supported me. That was a big reason for me to keep playing sports. They barely missed an event. They would always be 10 deep.

Q: Why did you decide to sit out your junior year in track? Why did you decide to come back your senior year?

During my junior year, we went deep into the playoffs for basketball. Track meets had already started. During the Final Four, I injured my ankle and knee. I was not able to run well. I also thought I wanted to focus more on basketball.

I came back my senior year and the scenario had flipped. We didn't make it to the state playoffs at all my senior year and all hope for basketball was lost. I came back to the track with a chip on my shoulder. I told myself that the 400 meter dash was my race and that I wouldn't lose. I was undefeated in the 400 (state champion) and only lost once in the 200 (state runner-up).

Q: How did the recruiting process go for you in high school?

I didn't have anything in basketball. In track, it was slow as well. I communicated with a few big name schools at the state meet after winning and a few contacted me afterwards. I ended up with a full track scholarship to Savannah State.

Q: Why didn't coaches believe in your basketball ability?

I was that much better in track. After being away from track for about 3 years, I still might be a better track athlete.

Q: Do you think coaches miss out on talented players because they are only looking at size?

In some cases. Coaches can't judge heart

Q: Describe your experience at Savannah State? What led you to transfer and not run track at all?

I allowed myself to get bored with track. Then, I began to miss basketball. I also had a lot of long nights, and that wasn't mixing well with the early mornings.

Q: What led you to South Georgia State College?

I started reaching out to a few different people to help me find a place. I got in contact with Coach Chris Cameron, who helped me find Coach D.J. Hardy, the head assistant at SGSC. I tried out and was offered a spot on the team.

Q: Describe your experience at SGSC.

It was a learning experience. I was able to play ball again. There was a lot of talent on the junior college level. The people of Waycross welcomed me and they supported the team. Coach Baldwin was a great mentor. He worked me day in and day out. I was getting looks from four year schools. The SGSC program as a whole was great to me. Graduation was my top priority and moving on to a four year college was second.

Q: What awards and honors did you receive at SGSC?

As a freshman, I was named to the All-Conference team. I finished the year shooting 46% from the three-point line. That was good enough for Top 20 in the nation at the time. As a sophomore, I shot 45 percent from the three-point line, led my conference in points per game, and was named Second Team All-American. I also tied the school record for blocks with 5 in a game. I broke the record for most threes made in a game with nine. I broke the record for most threes in one season with 96. I broke the record for most threes made in a career with 158.

Q: What colleges were interested in you and why did you pick Nicholls State?

UNC Greensboro, South Carolina State, and Murray State showed interest. The Division 2 schools showed no interest. Nicholls was the only school to offer a scholarship.

Q: How has the experience at Nicholls been so far?

It is fun. It is another great learning experience. I am finishing up my summer semester now. I'm down to 36 hours or so to graduate with two years of playing eligibility left. I feel like I'm in a comfortable spot right now.

Q: What is your outlook on the 2017-18 season? Do you think the team can advance to the Big Dance?

We have a lot good players. We're big and old. We have a 9 seniors. Most players are transfers from other Division 1 or JUCO programs. I think we can advance to the Big Dance (NCAA Tournament).

Q: What have you learned from your experience, from Statesboro to where you are now?

If you believe in yourself, you can do anything you put your mind to. All you need is self motivation and determination.

Q: What would be your advice to athletes who have not been recruited, but want to play in college?

Don't stop. You have to believe in yourself before someone else can believe in you.

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Career Highlights

2016 (South Georgia State): Team MVP ... Named 2nd Team NJCAA All-American ... All-GCAA 1st Team (runner-up player of the year) ... four-time Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Player of the Week ... Led the GCAA in scoring 19.6 points per game ... Shot GCAA fifth-best percentage from the 3-point line (44.4) ... Scored double-digits in 30 of 32 times ... First in the GCAA in field goals made, 3-pointers made and total points 10th in assists in The GCAA ... School record 154 3-pointers made in South Georgia State College or Waycross College history ... School Record 92 3-pointers made in a season ... Named GCAA All-Tournament Team. 2015 (South Georgia State): Named to GCAA Freshman All-Star Game ... Team's top 3-point shooter ... 11.2 points per game was second on the team in scoring ... Second on the team in free-throw percentage (71.2) ... Fourth in the GCAA in 3-point percentage (42.5) ... Scored double-digits in 18 games. Statesboro High School: Played all four years on varsity at Statesboro High School for Georgia high school basketball legend coach Lee Hill ... an All-State player his junior and senior seasons ... Competed in the Georgia Junior All-Star Game in 2013 ... Scored over 1,000 points in high school career ... Also a track star, originally signed to run track at Savannah State University.