The four-year EuroLeague guard is thriving in his debut season in the EuroCup
Jaleen Smith is thriving as a playmaker and leading by example at Bahcesehir
Trademarks
1 Min read
One of the reasons that Bahcesehir College Istanbul has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup is guard Jaleen Smith and his playmaking in particular.
Taking up the mantle of the main point guard of Bahcesehir, Smith is averaging 6.0 assists to go with 11.8 points as the Turkish side has started the season with a 7-1 record to lead Group A. That marks the second-best record in the competition, surpassed only by undefeated Valencia Basket.
Smith has had multiple playmaking highlights but none like the show he put on against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. Going full “Point God” mode, the 30-year-old dished out 15 assists to his teammates in a statement win for his squad. This is an insane number, tied for third in EuroCup history behind 16-assist performances by the great Omar Cook in 2014 and J'Covan Brown two seasons ago.
“It wasn’t just me finding guys. Everybody contributed to those assists and whenever they were open, they were making shots,” Smith humbly told Eurohoops. “I wouldn’t have those assists if those guys didn’t make shots. I credit my teammates for making it happen.”
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