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United States Nolan Smith has transitioned from a decorated college athlete and NBA player to a respected basketball coach and leader, sharing insights from his journey with various communities and organizations.
Nolan Smith was named the North Carolina state ambassador for Teen Cancer America in the summer of 2016. This organization aims to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care. Smith serves alongside other celebrities to support the cause.
In July 2018, Smith was selected as one of 11 members from Division I basketball to join the Teamworks Basketball Leadership Committee. This committee is dedicated to shaping the future of athlete engagement and developing best practices in the athletics industry.
Nolan Smith designed the 'Brotherhood' uniforms for Duke, which were created by Nike. This collaboration combined Smith's vision with the brand's athletic apparel.
In a November 2020 tweet, nonpartisan voter advocate organization VoteRiders shared a video of Smith urging voters to contact their helpline for assistance with absentee ballots.
Nolan Smith was born on July 25, 1988, in Louisville, Kentucky. His early life was shaped by his connection to basketball, frequently attending Washington Bullets practices as a child due to his father, Derek Smith, being an assistant coach. Following his father’s passing in 1996, the Bullets continued to involve Smith in their home games. He displayed athletic talent from a young age, playing varsity basketball in eighth grade at The Key School in Annapolis, Maryland. He continued his high school career at St. John’s College High School, Riverdale Baptist School, and Oak Hill Academy, where he was a two-year captain and played alongside future NBA athletes like Michael Beasley and Ty Lawson. During his senior year at Oak Hill Academy in 2006-2007, he achieved first-team EA Sports and Parade All-American honors, and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
Smith attended Duke University from 2007 to 2011, making a significant impact on the Blue Devils men’s basketball team. As a junior in 2009-2010, he played a key role in Duke’s NCAA championship victory, earning Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA South Regional and a spot on the All-Final Four Team. His senior year in 2010-2011 marked a career high, earning him consensus first-team All-American honors and ACC Player of the Year. He led the ACC in scoring that season with 20.6 points per game, a total that ranks ninth in program history, and served as a team captain. In 2011, he was selected 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Draft. Over two NBA seasons, he averaged 3.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Following his playing career, Smith transitioned into coaching, joining the Duke Blue Devils staff in February 2016. He held roles as special assistant and director of basketball operations & player development before being promoted to assistant coach in April 2021. During his six years at Duke, the team achieved an impressive 159 wins, an ACC regular season title in 2022, and reached the Final Four. He coached 25 players who went on to the NBA. In 2022, Smith became an assistant coach for the Louisville Cardinals and in September 2024, he moved to Memphis as an assistant coach. In July 2025, Smith was appointed head coach at Tennessee State University. Beyond basketball, Smith has been involved in community initiatives, serving as the North Carolina state ambassador for Teen Cancer America and being recognized as a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration honoree for his work on social justice issues in 2020.
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