Canterbury Rams announce the signing of Sam Smith

The Canterbury Rams would like to announce the signing Sam Smith, for the 2019 Sal’s NBL Season. This announcement comes as new Rams head coach Mick Downer’s ninth addition to the team.

Originally from Tauranga, Sam Smith attended Tauranga Boys High School before moving to Christchurch to play for Lincoln University. Sam played for both the Canterbury Rams and the U19 Canterbury team in 2014.  Sam then headed to start his college career at Brown Mackie College in August, 2014 where he played and started every game. He averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Sam then moved on to Texas Wesleyan University for his Junior and Senior year. Sam has come back to New Zealand during off seasons and trained as a part of previous Rams squads. Over the past few years during his summer breaks in college Sam has also been part of Canterbury’s U23 national dominance where he has helped them win several national titles. Sam was named in the U23 national tournament team three consecutive years in 2016,17 and 18.

Rams Head Coach Mick Downer commented on Sam saying:

“We look forward to having Sam play for the Rams this year and can’t wait to see what he will bring to the team! Sam is a versatile player who contributes in multiple ways on the defensive and offensive end.“

Sam Smith is an example of why the Mainland Eagles Academy was established in 2014 by the Canterbury Regional Basketball Foundation (sister organisation of the Rams).  “A player like Sam has been able to develop his basketball at US College, while gaining a bachelors degree, he is a win-win situation with the opportunity to play in the New Zealand National Basketball League while beginning to utlise his degree as he builds towards his off-court career,”stated CRBF General Manager Caleb Harrison.

The Rams are coming off a season in which 6,000 attended the Rams vs Saints game at Horncastle Arena which was a Sals NBL Record Crowd.  The team is looking forward to taking 2 games to Horncastle Arena in 2019.  The Rams play first home game at Horncastle Arena on the 27^th April against the Wellington Saints.

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