K.J. Smith isn't a terribly big name in the world of college basketball, but it's one that North Carolina fans will come to know as he is transferring to become a Tar Heel. He is the son of the legendary Tar Heel and NBA champion Kenny Smith who also happens to be one of the analysts on TNT's "Inside the NBA."
RELATED: K.J. Smith set to transfer schools
According to a report from Inside Carolina, he will be a Tar Heel this year, but will sit out per NCAA transfer rules. The 6'2", 160-pound rising sophomore will likely take a redshirt so that he has three years of eligibility remaining. He averaged 3.2 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 13.0 minutes per game as a freshman at Pacific this past season.
This is what he told Inside Carolina about his transfer:
"I wanted a championship-winning culture where everyone around you just wanted to win. An atmosphere where everyone was dedicated. I was talking to my dad about it, and ever since high school I've been a part of these championship programs. I was at Mater Dei in California and they won five-straight state championships. Then I went to IMG Academy in Florida, which is like a basketball player's paradise. That's what I want to get at UNC again, that championship environment."
He should definitely be getting the environment he's looking for considering they are coming off a national title run that ended with them hoisting the trophy in Phoenix.
[h/t The Spun]