Philadelphia 76ers sign Terquavion Smith to two-way deal following 2023 NBA Draft
Terquavion Smith is off to bigger and better things. The North Carolina State sophomore wasn’t able to hear his name called during the 2023 NBA Draft. However, he has earned his opportunity as the Philadelphia 76ers signed him to a two-way deal after the draft.
Shams Charania updated the news on Smith following Thursday night’s proceedings. He will join Arkansas’ Ricky Council IV and Arizona’s Azuolas Tubelis as undrafted prospects in The City of Brotherly Love.
In his second season with the NC State Wolfpack, Smith averaged 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 38% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. For his efforts, Smith was named to the All-ACC Second Team.
Smith is a proven sharpshooter. His 96 3-pointers in his first collegiate season were the most by a freshman in ACC history. Many were surprised by Smith’s decision to return for a second season at NC State. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-2 guard made the most of his experience.
Before tearing up the ACC, Smith was a four-star recruit and the No. 91 player in the Class of 2021, according to On3 Industry Rankings. Furthermore, the North Carolina native was ranked as the No. 4 player in his class from the Tar Heel State.
Smith earned his high praise. The marksman led Farmville Central to three-straight North Carolina Class 2A State Championships, averaging 25.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.2 steals per game during his senior year.
Smith’s ridiculous numbers came with a ridiculous amount of accolades. Smith was named the 2021 North Carolina Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, North Carolina Mr. Basketball by “Charlotte Observer,” and State Player of the Year by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.
What NBA Draft experts are saying about Terquavion Smith
NBA experts seemingly believe Smith can become a valuable offensive threat professionally, if he can mend some inconsistencies.
“Smith is a gifted scorer, but he’s inconsistent from 3-point range. Even though Smith sometimes showed an NBA-ready 3-point range, he only made 33.6% of his 3-pointers and shot 38% overall. The efficiency needs to improve, but there’s no question Smith is ready to contribute as an offensive threat at the NBA level,” according to NBA.com.
“Smith posted a 30% usage rate as a sophomore in college and his value is mainly tied to what he can do as a sparkplug scorer. His athleticism is plus, and he showed elite agility, particularly when driving to the basket.”