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Butler Bulldogs to wear patch honoring Andrew Smith

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Dec 12, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A wide angle general view as the Butler Bulldogs play against the Tennessee Volunteers at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler defeats Tennessee 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A wide angle general view as the Butler Bulldogs play against the Tennessee Volunteers at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler defeats Tennessee 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Butler basketball team will wear a “AS44” patch for the remainder of the season to honor the passing of former player Andrew Smith.

The passing of Andrew Smith sent shock waves through the world of college basketball on Tuesday, and especially within the Butler program, where Smith played for four seasons. On Thursday, Butler announced they would be wearing the “AS44” patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the season, to honor the untimely passing of the 25 year old who had been struggling with cancer since 2014.

Smith, who grew up in Indiana, had a productive career at Butler. The Bulldogs played in the NCAA Championship Game in back-to-back seasons during his freshman and sophomore years in 201o and 2011. During this time he emerged as an effective scorer and rebounder at the center position. At 6-11, he was also a formidable defensive presence. As an upperclassman, he became an undisputed leader on the team, and formed a close bond with then Butler head coach, Brad Stevens.

Although he was undrafted out of college, Smith did play on the Oklahoma City Thunder summer league team and eventually professionally in Lithuania. It was there, however, he fell sick and subsequently returned to the United States for treatment.

Since his passing on Tuesday, there has been an outpouring of condolences. Brad Stevens, who is now the head coach of the Boston Celtics, shared his remembrance, as did many others.

Andrew Smith will be remembered as an integral part of Butler’s sustained success during his tenure there, as a leader on and off the court and as someone we lost far too early. Butler will wear the patches beginning Saturday, when they play St. John’s at home.