Los Angeles Sentinel writer Brian W. Carter chronicles NBA center Craig Smith’s achievements- moves that have take him from Los Angeles, to Worcester Academy, to Boston College, and, now, back to LA as a member of the the NBA’s Clippers.

Smith appreciates the life and gifts that his talent and the NBA have given him telling Carter:

“It’s a wonderful experience, it’s the best league in the world. You can play against great competition night-in, night-out. It’s been a blast each and every year. I try to get better and better in different aspects. It’s just been a wonderful experience so far.”

Returning to his hometown means something special to Smith. He speaks with a high degree of engagement and optimism about working with kids form the old neighborhood.

Carter writes:

“…Smith has made a goal to give back to the community and give the same opportunity to kids that were in his spot. ‘I started doing a lot of different events for and with the Clippers and mainly on my own,’ said Smith. ‘I do talk to kids at Pan-Pacific park, at christmas parties, if anybody ask me to come and speak to the kids, I’m pretty much down for it, I’m always down for it.’…

…Smith has been keeping himself busy with other activities he has high hopes to accomplish. “Hopefully one day, my goal is to open up a YMCA of my own to give back to the community just to let them know, there are people out there that have been in the same situation and achieved their goals.”