JR Smith is going back to college … and joining the golf team

JR Smith is taking his talents to Aggieland and looking to join the North Carolina A&T State University Family. He’s also got his eyes on the golf team.

Over the past few years, there has been an uptick in HBCU support through professional athletes, current and former. From Deion Sanders’ decision to coach at Jackson State University, to Chris Paul’s support of HBCUs in the bubble, enrollment at Winston-Salem State University and eventual formation of an HBCU Basketball tournament.

Now, we can add JR Smith to the list, where the two-time NBA Champion is taking his academic and (hopefully) athletic talents to one of the biggest HBCUs in the country.

JR Smith is enrolling at North Carolina A&T and he wants to make an athletic contribution too.

Smith’s decision to join NCAT could be surprising to some, but it’s also kind of cool to take his academics into consideration regardless of the degree path he’s taking. But that’s not just it… he wants to play golf too if his eligibility lets him.

The real surprise will be Smith’s performance, but according to Golf Digest, he’s obsessed with the sport. To add, the Aggie Golf Team has done pretty good, finishing second in the MEAC Championships.

It may seem weird to see, especially with a character like Smith, but the support highlights the history and culture at these schools, while furthering interest and enrollment. HBCUs have produced some barrier breakers in sports such as Earl Lloyd and Doug Briscoe, so it’s good to see athletes give attention where it’s deserved.