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Greenville, S.C. – Furman’s PJay Smith Jr. has earned the prestigious title of Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, as announced on Monday afternoon. This recognition comes on the heels of his outstanding performance that propelled the Paladins to a thrilling victory against Belmont over the weekend.
In an inspiring return to the court just 15 miles away from his hometown of LaVergne, Tenn., Smith showcased his skills by racking up an impressive 21 points, alongside five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in what marked his season debut after recovering from an earlier injury that kept him out of the season opener. Notably, the senior played a crucial role in securing the win with a game-winning three-pointer from the top of the key with only 2.3 seconds left on the clock, sealing the nail-biting 76-74 triumph over the Bruins.
Smith, who is pursuing a degree in business administration, is in his second season with the Paladins after transferring from Lee University. Last year, he made significant contributions to the team, averaging 10 points per game, complemented by 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists, while demonstrating his shooting accuracy with a 37.3% success rate from beyond the three-point line.
Furman will continue its campaign tonight as the team prepares to host Jacksonville at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. Fans interested in attending the game can purchase tickets directly through FurmanPaladins.com.
The highly anticipated Jacksonville game will be available for live streaming on ESPN+, providing an exciting viewing option for fans. Additionally, the game can be tuned in via The Fan Upstate on 97.7 FM and 1330 AM in Greenville, as well as 97.1 FM and 1490 AM in Spartanburg. The Audacy app also offers access to the game. Comprehensive links for the live stream, audio broadcast, and live statistics will be conveniently located on FurmanPaladins.com.
**Interview with PJay Smith Jr. – Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, PJay! Congratulations on being named the Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week! How does it feel to receive this recognition?
**PJay Smith Jr.:** Thank you! It feels amazing to be recognized for my hard work and performance. It’s a testament to the effort I’ve put in, but also to the support of my teammates and coaches.
**Editor:** Can you share a bit about the games that contributed to this accolade? What do you think were the key factors in your standout performances?
**PJay Smith Jr.:** Absolutely! In the games leading up to the award, I focused on being aggressive on both ends of the floor. I was fortunate to have some key plays that not only helped me score but also created opportunities for my teammates. The chemistry we’ve developed really showed, and I think that was crucial.
**Editor:** It sounds like teamwork is a big part of your success. How do your teammates influence your game and your approach on the court?
**PJay Smith Jr.:** My teammates are everything! We constantly push each other in practice, and they’ve got my back on game day. Their confidence in me allows me to play my game freely. We motivate one another, share feedback, and celebrate each other’s successes—it’s a real brotherhood.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of the season? Any specific milestones you’re aiming to achieve?
**PJay Smith Jr.:** My main goal is to keep improving and help lead our team to the Southern Conference Championship. Individually, I want to continue raising my level of play and contribute however I can. I believe that if I focus on my development, the wins will come!
**Editor:** Great mindset! Before we wrap up, is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this point in your career?
**PJay Smith Jr.:** Absolutely. I want to thank my coaches for their guidance, my teammates for their support, and of course, my family for always believing in me. This award isn’t just mine; it belongs to all of us.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, PJay! Best of luck for the rest of the season.
**PJay Smith Jr.:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
