Boston College Athletics
Craig Smith Prepares For Life In The NBA
July 05, 2006 | Men's Basketball
July 5, 2006
Craig Smith was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft. Boston College's career rebounding leader was the 36th player taken in the June 28 draft.
Since his selection, Smith has focused all his attention on getting his professional career started. After catching a few hours of sleep, Smith boarded a Thursday morning flight to Minneapolis. There he was greeted by the club's vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale, general manager Jim Stack and head coach Dwane Casey, and whisked to his first professional press conference. Smith was joined at the briefing by the team's first-round selection Randy Foye and fellow second-round choice Loukas Mavrokefalidis. He also met up with current Timberwolves guard Rashad McCants during his visit.
His stay in Minneapolis was brief. Smith returned to Los Angeles on Thursday evening. His homecoming lasted just a few days.
Yesterday, the 6-foot-7-inch forward made the short flight from L.A. to Las Vegas to join Minnesota's entry in the Vegas Summer League. Because of his wrist injury, Smith will not be playing in the team's games. Instead, he will "do everything but play," including learning the team's system during practice sessions and continuing to strengthen his wrist and arm.
After the Vegas games/practices conclude in mid-July, Smith will return to Los Angeles until the Timberwolves' preseason camp begins.
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Smith reported his conditioning regiment has brought his weight back down to 250, the same weight he played at this past season. After surgery, his weight had gone as high as 265.
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Smith said he has spoken with former BC teammate and Minneapolis native Troy Bell, who offered some advice on life in the Twin Cities.
