NBA Champion J.R. Smith Set to Graduate from N.C. A&T This Spring

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith is making headlines once again, this time for an achievement off the basketball court. Smith is set to graduate during North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's spring 2026 commencement with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies-applied cultural thought from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The former NBA star will be available to media on Monday, May 4, at noon in N.C. A&T's Glover Sports Performance Center on campus. A virtual media availability will be scheduled later for those unable to attend in person.

After a successful 16-season NBA career, Smith chose to begin his college journey at the nation's largest historically Black college or university.

"His story stands as a powerful reminder that education is always within reach and that it is never too late to pursue new goals, embrace growth and lead by example," the university stated.

During the media availability, Smith will speak about the meaning of this milestone, his experience at A&T, and the message he hopes others take from his journey.

Commencement Celebration

Smith will officially receive his degree during N.C. A&T's undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 2:30 p.m. in First Horizon Coliseum at the Greensboro Complex. The ceremony will feature Queen Latifah as the speaker and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

The ceremony will honor graduates from the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, College of Science and Technology, and CAHSS.

From NBA Courts to College Campus

Smith's journey from NBA standout to college student-athlete has captured national attention. The NBA Sixth Man of the Year for 2013 played for several teams throughout his career, including the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, winning championships with Cleveland in 2016 and the Lakers in 2020.

After going straight from high school to the NBA, Smith later turned his focus to higher education and golf. His transformative journey was chronicled in the Prime docuseries "Redefined" and continues to inspire fans as a story of growth, discipline, and the importance of education.

North Carolina A&T, established in 1891, is recognized as one of the top 25 "Most Innovative" universities in America by U.S. News & World Report and is a leader in graduating African American students in engineering, agriculture, and other STEM fields.