Former NC State guard Dennis Smith helps hometown during crisis
Former N.C. State guard Dennis Smith made a generous gesture Friday to help his hometown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New York Knicks guard donated funds to purchase 575 food vouchers first responders can use to buy meals at Fayetteville’s Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The vouchers are valued at $7 each.
“Fayetteville and basketball have given so much to me, and today was another chance for me to give back to my community, while saying thanks,” Smith said in a statement released by the Knicks. “I wanted to show support for the real heroes during these tragic times — the first responders. And show them that I have their back, just like they have ours.”
The 22-year-old Smith is also donating money to buy computers for children who need them to take part on online learning programs while schools are closed.
After graduating from Fayetteville’s Trinity Christian School, Smith played one season at N.C. State in 2016-17. He averaged 18.1 points and 6.2 assists per game.
The Dallas Mavericks selected him No. 9 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Knicks acquired him in a trade with Dallas on Jan. 31, 2019. Smith averaged 5.5 points and 2.9 assists for the Knicks this season before the NBA suspended its season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.