Adrian Smith, a former NBA player known for his time with the Cincinnati Royals and Kentucky Wildcats, has died at age 89. He was a 1966 NBA All-Star Game MVP and an Olympic gold medalist in 1960.
Key points
Adrian Smith died at age 89
He was known as 'Odie' in basketball circles
Smith won a national championship with the Kentucky Wildcats
He earned an Olympic gold medal in 1960
Smith was the MVP of the 1966 NBA All-Star Game
Mentioned in this story
Adrian Smith
Cincinnati RoyalsKentucky Wildcats
National Basketball commissioner Walter Kennedy, right, presents the most valuable player trophy to Adrian Smith of the Cincinnati Royals following the Jan. 11, 1966, NBA All-Star game at Cincinnati Gardens. Smith scored 24 points for the East team to win the trophy.
National Basketball commissioner Walter Kennedy, right, presents the most valuable player trophy to Adrian Smith of the Cincinnati Royals following the Jan. 11, 1966, NBA All-Star game at Cincinnati Gardens. Smith scored 24 points for the East team to win the trophy.
If you don't recognize the name, Greater Cincinnati basketball aficionados knew him as "Odie," a talented 6-foot-1 guard from Farmington, Kentucky who won a national championship with the Kentucky Wildcats, an Olympic gold medal in Rome in 1960 and was named the 1966 NBA All-Star Game MVP, which came complete with a Ford Galaxie as a prize. Smith kept the vehicle in great condition over the years and kept it proudly on display.
Adrian Smith, a former NBA basketball player, poses with the car he won as MVP of the 1966 NBA All-Star Game in 2006. Smith of Anderson Township died on April 28 at age 89.
Adrian Smith, a former NBA basketball player, poses with the car he won as MVP of the 1966 NBA All-Star Game in 2006. Smith of Anderson Township died on April 28 at age 89.
Q&A
What were Adrian Smith's notable achievements in basketball?
Adrian Smith won a national championship with the Kentucky Wildcats, an Olympic gold medal in 1960, and was named the MVP of the 1966 NBA All-Star Game.
How did Adrian Smith earn the MVP title in the 1966 NBA All-Star Game?
Adrian Smith scored 24 points for the East team during the 1966 NBA All-Star Game, which led to him being named the MVP.
What was Adrian Smith's nickname and where was he from?
Adrian Smith was nicknamed 'Odie' and hailed from Farmington, Kentucky.
When did Adrian Smith pass away?
Adrian Smith passed away on April 28 at the age of 89.
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Adrian Smith's time with Kentucky Wildcats
Though he originally only had a scholarship offer at Murray State, which was withdrawn, Smith started at Northeast Mississippi Junior College. He excelled enough there to warrant a look from the legendary Adolph Rupp and Kentucky's "Big Blue."
Smith finally got some playing time in relief his junior year, then became a starter as a senior, averaging 12.4 points per game. His team became known as "The Fiddlin' Five," and the Wildcats went on to win the 1957-58 NCAA National Championship with an 84-72 win over Seattle University. Seattle featured a future NBA Hall of Famer named Elgin Baylor. Another member of the "Fiddlin' Five" that you may not be aware of was the father of NBC football analyst and former Cincinnati Bengal Cris Collinsworth. Lincoln Collinsworth was a 6-foot-3 guard.
Smith was drafted in the 15th-round by the Cincinnati Royals in 1958. (The Royals originated in Rochester, New York, moved to Cincinnati, moved to Kansas City-Omaha, and are now the Sacramento Kings.)
He elected to join the Army, played on the Army All-Star Team and made the 1960 team that won gold in the Rome Olympics. That team also featured two other future Cincinnati Royals in Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas. The 1960 Olympic team was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
1969: Cincinnati Royals. Veteran backcourt: Adrian "Odie" Smith, Oscar Robertson, and Tom Van Arsdale.
Photo credit: Cincinnati Royals
scanned July 14, 2011
1969: Cincinnati Royals. Veteran backcourt: Adrian "Odie" Smith, Oscar Robertson, and Tom Van Arsdale. Photo credit: Cincinnati Royals scanned July 14, 2011
Adrian Smith played for Cincinnati Royals from 1961-1969
Smith served as "The Big O" Oscar Robertson's back-up originally, but became a starter in 1964-65, averaging 15.1 points per game and shooting 46% from the field and 83% on free throws. There was no 3-point shot, but many have commented how Smith would have been a long-distance threat.
In 1966, the NBA All-Star Game came to Cincinnati Gardens, and Smith scored 24 points in 26 minutes to lead the East to victory and win the coveted Ford Galaxie. It would be his only All-Star Game.
Smith would play for the San Francisco Warriors, then the ABA Virginia Squires, before his pro career was up in 1972.
Adrian Smith funeral arrangements
Smith's visitation is at 11 a.m. at T.P. White in Mount Washington, with the funeral service at noon. For more information, go to www.tpwhite.com.
