Joe Smith is now known as an NBA journey man, but what few remember is that Smith was a great player at the University of Maryland. Smith was one of Maryland’s most decorated players ever, winning the Naismith Award in 1995.
In Smith’s two seasons at Maryland, the Terrapins reached the Sweet 16 in both seasons under Gary Williams. Despite the success of Smith, Maryland was still left searching for a championship, but this would all change with the help of another Laker.
While Joe Smith fell short of cutting down the nets for Maryland, current Lakers guard did not. Blake helped Maryland win the 2002 NCAA title along with Juan Dixon.
The championship came in Blake’s junior season at Maryland and although Blake’s numbers from that tournament are not eye opening, he was still a solid contributor as one of Gary Williams’ starting guards.
Blake facilitated the Maryland offense, and his play making skills were on full display in Maryland’s Final 4 match up against Kansas. Blake tallied 11 assists in that game.
Blake had a more prominent role during his senior season in which he led the Terrapins to the Sweet 16. Ultimately, Blake was not enough as Maryland fell to Michigan State to end their title reign. Blake scored 11 points in a losing effort.