May 22, 2013
MACCABI ELECTRA reels in swingman Smith
Devin Smith - Benetton Bwin - Finals Treviso 2011Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv continued its fast-paced roster-filling for the 2011-12 season with the announcement Thursday that swingman Devin Smith will join the Turkish Airlines Euroleague runners-up on a two-year contract. Smith (1.96 meters, 30 years old) arrives to Maccabi from Benetton Treviso, where he was named to the All-Eurocup First Team last season. In April, he helped lead Benetton to the Eurocup Finals, and later the team reached the Italian League semifinals. Smith averaged 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season to earn All-Eurocup honors for the second season in a row. His previous Euroleague experience includes one season, 2008-09, with Fenerbahce Ulker for whom he had 7.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per fame. Smith played college basketball in Virgina and started his pro career winning Spain's second-division title with Bruesa, where he played the following year, as well. In 2007-08 Smith moved to Air Avellino of Italy, where he enjoyed his best season statistically with 18.7 points and 5.3 rebounds on average. Next, after his one-year stop at Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey, he joined Panellinios of Greece in 2009-10, helping that team reach the Eurocup Finals, too, with his first All-Eurocup First Team performance. After playing in Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece, Smith has found a new destination and will entertain the fans in Tel Aviv for the next two seasons. Smith is the fourth recent newcomer to Maccabi's roster, joining Shawn James, Jon Scheyer and Yotam Halperin, who returns to his lifelong club. Maccabi also renewed contracts with current players Guy Pnini and David Blu.

"Following the departure of Chuck Eidson, who was a very important player by for us, we had to make a quick and smart move and I believe we have done that with the signing of Devin Smith," Maccabi coach David Blatt said. "He's a player with a high basketball IQ, maturity and great character. He has a lot of experience in Europe, a great mid-range shot and the quality to score from behind the arc as well. He'll add some post up game as well and help on the rebounds. I have no doubt he'll mold into our team quickly and smoothly because of his intelligent game and great character."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Yarone Arbel, Tel Aviv
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