Former NBA player J.R. Smith can soon celebrate earning a bachelor’s degree.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the two-time NBA champion, who retired from the league in 2020 and played his last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) in 2021. In doing so, he overcame a fear of education that he had developed while in elementary school and middle school, Uproxx reports. It was during those early years that he was bullied in school after being diagnosed with learning disabilities.
“I know I was pretty decent athletically compared to everybody else in growth and stuff like that, but just mentally, how I function and how I focused and how I couldn’t read as good or just comprehend as good as the rest of the kids. I think that was the biggest thing for me…,” he told Uproxx.
Professors and tutors have supported Smith throughout his time at North Carolina A&T, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). He notes that, while everyone loves a comeback story, he isn’t seeking external validation, though he remains grateful.
“…It’s really gratifying just knowing that I’m able to continuously accomplish different feats that have overwhelmed me at times in my life,” he explained to the outlet.
Smith is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies–applied cultural thought from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, according to WFMY News 2. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, he started off strong, earning a 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) during his first semester. He will now receive his degree in spring 2026 and is also a member of the university’s men’s golf team.
North Carolina A&T’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 9, at First Horizon Coliseum at the Greensboro Complex, per the outlet. This year’s commencement speaker will be Queen Latifah.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Smith intends to speak further about the importance of obtaining his bachelor’s degree and his hope for others looking to follow suit in furthering their education, WFMY noted.
