UNIVERSITY CENTER -- The SVSU Men's Basketball program has welcomed Delano Smith (Novi, Mich.) as a mid-year transfer in the Winter 2018 semester in advance of being able to compete in the 2019-20 campaign. 

Smith joins the Cardinals after playing one and a half seasons at Davenport University, which is also a member of the GLIAC. Smith averaged 13.3 ppg in his time at guard for the Panthers, starting in 30 out of the 38 games he played in. He averaged 2.6 rebounds and racked-up 62 assists with 41 steals as well. Delano was named to the 2018-19 All-GLIAC South Division Preseason team as well. He ranked 9th in the GLIAC with a field goal percentage of 53.5% during 2017-18 as a freshman and ranked 15th in scoring with a tally of 13.5 ppg. His 21.7 points per 40 minutes ranked him sixth in the GLIAC. 

Delano Smith on joining the program

"SVSU was the best choice for me because the coaches made it a point to talk how they were focused on more than just the best basketball player you can be. They also want you to be the best man you can be. Talking with them, you can tell they cared about more than just basketball. They told me from the start that there was no option but to graduate, and that really stood out to me and my parents. It was also obvious that the team all loved being around each other and really cared about one another." 

Head Coach Randy Baruth on the signing of Smith

" Adding Delano and his family was a no-brainer for our program, they both have priorities in life organized: student-athlete, they understand that graduation is the only option here.  On the court  he has  proven that he can really play at a high level, his freshman statistics and awards speak for themselves."