UCLA junior center Joshua Smith, a Kentwood High School graduate, has left the men’s basketball program for “personal reasons.”
Smith participated in all six contests UCLA has played in thus far in the 2012-13 season and averaged 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 13.5 minutes played.
“Joshua is a fine young man who has meant a lot to this program,” said UCLA head coach Ben Howland in a Nov. 28 media release. “I know I speak for myself and my staff when I thank him for his time in Westwood and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
A native of Kent, Smith entered his junior season with the Bruins averaging 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 19.5 minutes played in 65 career games (24 starts) over his first two years in Westwood.
“I have made the decision to leave the program for personal reasons,” Smith said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UCLA and am grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me here.”
Smith lettered four years at Kentwood. He helped lead Kentwood to the 2010 4A State Championship during his senior season (2009-10), as the Conquerors went 21-10 and 11-5 (second place) in the South Puget Sound League 4A North Division. He scored a game-high 22 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out five assists in a 67-58 win over Jackson in the state title game.
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