KJ Smith is currently a college basketball studio analyst for the ACC Network on ESPN. Smith contributes to All ACC and serves as a social media correspondent on the network’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram handles. Smith also serves as an analyst and reporter for select NBA G League games. The son of two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith, KJ finished his prep career at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. At Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif, Smith went on to play for the legendary Gary McKnight, who is one of only 10 coaches with at least 1,200 wins. As a senior at Mater Dei, Smith was team captain and led his team to a 29-5 record. His team also won the SoCal state title. After transferring from the University of Pacific, Smith joined the North Carolina men’s basketball program, where he played three seasons under three-time NCAA champion head coach Roy Williams. From 2018-21, Smith appeared in 50 games and helped the Tar Heels to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2019 and 2021. Following graduation in 2021, Smith joined On3 Sports, covering college and high school basketball and recruiting. In October 2021, he officially joined the ACC Network’s studio team.
