As we’ve said before, and as most you surely know, Nolan Smith’s relationship to Louisville is deep and complex.
He was born there and his father, who died tragically young at just 34, is buried there.
And in his introductory press conference, Smith and his new boss Kenny Payne underscored the depth of their connection to each other and Louisville.
Payne said this: “From the day I walked on this campus to the day I left, Derek Smith was a part of everything I’ve done. To prepare for the NBA, I trained with Derek with the 76ers, and they ended up drafting me.