Jeremy Smith: Hunting Championships

After dominating the 2022 NBL1 Central season, Jeremy Smith has returned to the conference with the South Adelaide Panthers to reclaim another title.

Smith has spent many years playing in Australia, split between Big V and the Central ABL (now NBL1 Central). He played for the Panthers in 2015, then played across the globe in Iceland, Cyprus, Vietnam, Qatar and most recently in Austria. 

The Woollacott Award (NBL1 Central MVP) winner explained that the club was obviously disappointed Smith wasn’t able to return after the 2022 season. Not only because of his excellence on the court, but for his impact on the community and working with juniors across the club.

“I was involved off the court with a lot of the juniors, helping them, helping them win and helping them get better,” he told NBL Media. 

“So that played a part in me wanting to come back. I wouldn’t be opposed to playing in the NBL either, I wanna see some Australian summer.”

JEREMY SMITH MAKING A STATEMENT

Ending the first quarter of the #NBL1Central Grand Final with STYLE ?

Watch it live on @kayosports ? pic.twitter.com/ARb9IjsYaO

— NBL1 (@NBL1) September 3, 2022

Smith said that going for another title run is just as important to him, especially given how much he loves playing in Adelaide. 

“Just having that poise, the competitiveness and the urgency to want to play basketball. Then doing it in one of my favorite places personally. I’ve played everywhere, I just like Australia – so it's just a no-brainer for me.” 

Returning to the competition as a champion, Smith believes that his team can compete once again for the conference title.

“Nobody, nobody picked us to win (in 2022),” he said.

“But I’ve read a few articles, I’ve talked to my teammates, I talked to some of the coaches…. Some people have us picked to win, but I don't buy into none of that.

“We'll let the chips fall where they may. But, I'm not gonna sit here and say I don't wanna win a championship, 'cause obviously I do.” 

Smith says that he was disappointed by his team’s performance at the inaugural National Finals. While he was named to the All-Star Five for the Tournament, Smith believes if the Panthers can advance – they could be crowned national champions in 2024. 

“I felt like the first year was the first time they did the national competition, we didn't know what to expect,” he explained. 

“But after having that feel and competing against guys in other states… we had decent games against them. We're trying to win a championship and hopefully, we could compete and make some noise at nationals. Put NBL1 Central on the map.” 

The NBL1 Central starts March 23, streaming live and free via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.