NBA vet Smith to Jerusalem

Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem bolstered its frontcourt for the upcoming season by signing Craig Smith to a one-year deal this weekend. Smith (201 cm) arrives from Portland in the NBA, where he averaged 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 47 games last season. Smith has also played for Minnesota and Los Angeles Clippers in his six seasons in the NBA. His best season was 2008-09, when Smith averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 73 games with Minnesota. Smith has a successful career at Boston College and was chosen to the All-Big East first team in 2004 and 2005 and to the All-ACC first team in 2006. Smith averaged 17.6 points and 9.4 rebounds in 36 NCAA games in 2005-06, his senior season. “I’m very happy about this signing. Craig has had a long career in the NBA and I am sure our fans will enjoy his skills and experience,” Hapoel head coach Sharon Drucker said. “We will do everything we can to make Craig feel like at home. He is a hard worker and I am sure he will enjoy being with us. We expect him to be an important player and help us to be a strong team in the Israeli League and in the Eurocup.”