Former NBA player Craig Smith encourages youth to make their dreams come true with his children’s books “Craig and His Magical Basketball” and “Coloring with Craig: The Rhinos Basketball Adventures.” Through his books, Smith urges youth to develop a sense of “purpose, drive, passion and work ethic” at an early age.
“I thought it was cool to be able to use the nickname that I have, which is “The Rhino,” given to me by Kevin McHale, so I felt like I had a character,” Smith said about the former book. “I did have a really good story because it was a true story about how my mom taught me how to play basketball.”
Smith learned basketball from his mother, Linda Christian; he noted how she was his first mentor in the sport.
“She loved the game so much and she saw something in me at a special age where she wanted to show me this game,” Smith said. “When she did, it changed my life … I’m forever grateful for her.”
Related Stories
Student Athlete of the Week Brooklyn Walker
Sparks Fall Short to Mystics 80-82
As the 36th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Smith played for the Minnesota Timberwolves along with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trailblazers.
Smith uses lessons and experiences he went through playing basketball overseas. After seven seasons with the NBA, Smith played for Hapoel Jerusalem, the Hong Kong Bulls, and Ironi Nes Ziona of Israel.
During his time overseas, Smith wrote a blog about his experiences. He also got a chance to interact with youth in different countries.
“We had to do certain events and different things,” Smith said. “It’s given me more perspective on things.”
Along with having basketball-related pictures, his book “Coloring with Craig” features motivational phrases and advice for youth. Smith added his tips to also help youth improve their reading skills.
“We all have something special within us we just have to find it!” Smith stated. “It’s been awesome creating this book to help kids tap into their creativity.”
Being an ambassador for the Los Angeles Clippers exposed Smith to youth and the issues that they face.
“I have this big platform to be able to showcase and let kids know I care and I know you guys are so freaking intelligent,” Smith said. “I need to push you to the door, I want you to see the door so you can open it and the endless possibilities come you guys’ way.”
Smith mentioned how he plans on writing more books in the future. He enjoys using his creativity to help others. He also enjoys being around other authors.
“It’s a whole new world, this author space is totally different and it’s exciting because it’s new and I get to meet all these other wonderful authors,” Smith said. “There was a lady who came up to me and said I helped inspire her last year to make her book and she came out with the book the next year.”
