Oct. 7, 2008

(San Francisco) - Peter Smith, the youngest son of former USF All-American and former NBA All-Star Phil Smith will join the basketball team at the University of San Francisco, as announced today by head coach Rex Walters. Peter is the youngest son of Phil and Angela Smith. Phil passed away July 30, 2002 after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer at the age of 50.

"We are very excited about having Peter Smith on the team," Walters said. "He's already added something to our group of young men. We expect him to be an excellent teammate and member of our basketball program."

A highly decorated prep player at Escondido High School, Peter Smith was a two-time All-North County First Team and All-Valley League First Team selection. The 5-11 shooting guard captured All-CIF honors following his junior campaign after averaging 18.9 points, 4.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds for the Cougars, propelling Escondido into the 2007 San Diego CIF Division I title game.

Smith led the Cougars to back-to-back Valley League championships in 2007-08. After a delayed start to his senior year, Smith enjoyed a prolific final season, averaging 30.1 points, 5.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. Smith competed in the 2008 North vs. South San Diego All-Star Game and captured MVP honors, finishing with 25 points. An excellent athlete, Smith also competed on the Track & Field team as a junior in the long jump, high jump and the 200M.

An exceptional student, Smith completed his high school career with a 4.40 GPA and was No. 6 in Escondido High School's 2008 graduating class. Smith was named Team Captain of the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic Team. In addition, Smith earned one of 10 "Student of Merit", as selected by the North County Times.

Like his father, Smith will walk-on the USF men's basketball team. Phil Smith turned in a remarkable career in the Green and Gold and ranks 11th on the career scoring charts with 1,523 points (18.1 ppg) and ranks 13th in single-season scoring, averaging 20.7 points per game during the 1973-74 season - his final year on the Hilltop. Smith led the Dons to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances and was named to the NCAA All-Regional Team in 1973.

After earning All-American honors as a senior, Phil was a second round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1974 and as a rookie helped the club to its lone NBA Championship. A two-time All-Star, Phil spent nine seasons in the NBA with the Warriors, San Diego Clippers and the Seattle Supersonics and averaged 15.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Phil's No. 20 was retired by the University of San Francisco February 17, 2001.