Excerpt from the Belleville News-Democrat
In his first season of college basketball, Malachi Smith earned a place on the Horizon League All-Freshman Team and helped Wright State University to a bid in the National Invitational Tournament.
Now the former Belleville West and Belleville East standout says he’s leaving the Dayton, Ohio, school.
Smith, a 6-foot-3 guard who helped West to its first state championship in 2017-18, announced his decision on Twitter, prefacing a prepared statement by commenting “please respect my decision.”
“I want to thank Wright State athletic department and coaching staff for all they have done for me during my first year of college basketball,” the statement said. “I’m beyond grateful for the memories I have made in such a short time here! After talking with my family, I have decided to ask for my release and will reopen my recruitment! this was a tough decision and I’m trusting GOD throughout this process. I will be forever thankful for the Wright State community. Joshua 1:9”
Smith averaged 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in his first year at Wright State. He was the Horizon League Freshman of the Week (Jan. 11-17) when he scored a career-high 17 points with nine rebounds in a win at Youngstown State. He then averaged 9.1 points over the final seven games of the regular season.
Smith said he met with Raiders head coach Scott Nagy and expects him approve his release, which was formally submitted on Wednesday.
