Jerry Smith entered the coaching ranks in 2024-25 when he joined the Phoenix staff as the Director of Player Development. A former standout at the University of Louisville and an experienced professional player overseas, Smith brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and international perspective to the Phoenix.
Smith's coaching career builds on a 13-year professional playing career that took him across the globe. After starting in the NBA G League with the Springfield Armor (2010–12) and earning a brief call-up to the Brooklyn Nets in 2012, he embarked on a successful international career with stops in Italy, Israel, Germany, and extensively in Greece and Turkey. His final season as a player came in 2023 with OGM Ormanspor in Turkey.
Collegiately, Smith played four years (2006–10) under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino at Louisville, where he helped lead the Cardinals to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. In his debut as a Cardinal, Smith broke the record for most points scored by a freshman in his first game (24), and ended his career with 1,203 points.
Prior to Louisville excelled at Wauwatosa East High School, becoming the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,673 points. As a senior, he averaged 25.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists and earned Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year.
