Jamar Smith
An American guard who forged a long, successful career in Europe after a standout college tenure, becoming a beloved scoring threat overseas.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: April 7·Millennials
Biography
Jamar Smith's basketball journey took him from the hard courts of Illinois to a defining role as a professional mainstay across Europe. After beginning his college career at the University of Illinois, he transferred to the University of Southern Indiana, where he blossomed into a dominant scorer, leading his team deep into the Division II tournament. This performance opened the door to a professional path abroad. Smith became a quintessential export, a scoring guard whose reliable three-point shot and athletic drives made him a valuable asset in top leagues in Italy, Turkey, and France. He wasn't just a journeyman; he was a core player for several clubs, often leading them in scoring and becoming a fan favorite for his explosive offensive bursts. His career stands as a model of persistence and adaptation, building a lasting legacy far from the NBA spotlight.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jamar was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jamar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jamar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the University of Southern Indiana to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2011.
- Named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year by Basketball Times in 2011.
- Played professionally for over a decade in top European leagues including Italy's LBA and Turkey's BSL.
- Won the Italian Supercup in 2015 while playing with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano.
Did You Know?
He scored over 2,000 points in his combined college career at Illinois and Southern Indiana.
In his professional peak, he was known for wearing jersey number 7.
Smith played for Pallacanestro Reggiana in Italy twice, in the 2016-17 season and again later in his career.
“My job is to stretch the floor and knock down shots; that's my role for the team.”
