All of Cardinal Nation was very happy when Russ Smith was drafted in last month’s NBA Draft. We have all been on an incredible journey with this young man and have watched him go from a kid who struggled to get offers out of high school to the outstanding player he is today.
Coach Pitino said today during his press conference that he had a heart to heart with Russ about his NBA Draft and also said that Russ had reached a deal with the Pelicans. Coach Pitino says that Smith will be able to live up to everything the Pelicans expect, which mostly involves around his quickness, ability to defend and handle the ball as a playmaker. And Coach Pitino says that he can’t wait to see Russ play.
Russ will get his first opportunity to showcase his skills on Friday when the Pelicans open summer league play in Las Vegas at 9:30 p.m. against a NBA Development League team. Louisville fans will be able to see “Pelican Russ” in action when New Orleans plays an exhibition game against the Miami Heat at the KFC Yum Center on Oct. 4.
Here’s what Coach Pitino said about Russ today: