Forget the NBA championship rings and the Sixth Man trophies! For former NBA star JR Smith, the most meaningful achievement of his life isn’t on the basketball court – it’s walking across the graduation stage. At 40 years old, Smith officially earned his college degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), and he’s calling it his ‘biggest win.’
From NBA Champion to College Student
Smith, who spent 16 seasons in the NBA and won championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, enrolled at the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the country back in 2021. Fresh off a championship run with the Lakers, he embarked on a five-year journey, balancing classes, playing on the men’s golf team, and quietly excelling academically.
On May 9, 2026, Earl Joseph “JR” Smith finally walked the stage at First Horizon Coliseum, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a concentration in Applied Cultural Thought. This accomplishment holds immense weight for Smith, who has been open about his past struggles with a learning disability and a resulting fear of school.
A Promise Kept, A Dream Realized
The journey back to college began with a promise Smith made to his mother two decades ago. He had committed to play college basketball for Roy Williams at UNC but opted to enter the NBA Draft straight out of high school in 2004. He vowed to return and finish his degree, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
Choosing an HBCU like NC A&T was a deliberate decision for Smith. He’s spoken about how the school ‘saved him from imploding from the inside out’ and how walking onto campus felt like coming home. The supportive community embraced him, allowing him to overcome his past academic fears.
Academic Excellence and a Meaningful Major
Smith didn’t just attend classes; he excelled. He maintained a 4.0 GPA during his first year and was named NC A&T Academic Athlete of the Year. He even had to petition the NCAA for athletic eligibility to join the golf program, which he played for all five years of his enrollment.
His chosen major, Liberal Studies with a concentration in Applied Cultural Thought, is far from a simple degree. It’s a rigorous program focused on understanding culture, society, and critical thinking – a testament to Smith’s dedication to learning and growth, especially for someone who once feared the classroom.
Joining a Legacy of Determined Achievers
Smith’s achievement places him in a distinguished group of athletes and artists who have returned to complete their education. Think Steph Curry graduating from Davidson over a decade after leaving, or Megan Thee Stallion earning her degree from Texas Southern. These stories matter, pushing back against the notion that professional careers are the ultimate ceiling.
Smith isn’t just graduating; he’s committed to giving back to NC A&T, promising to repay the university tenfold. He’s poised to become one of the most engaged celebrity alumni, proving that it’s never too late to finish what you started. The championship rings are shiny, but this degree? It hits different.
What do you think about JR Smith’s incredible journey back to education? Share your thoughts and any inspiring stories of overcoming academic challenges in the comments below!