JR Smith, a former NBA star, has enrolled at North Carolina A&T. He plans to join the historically Black university’s men’s golf team if cleared by NCAA officials, according to the university.Brian Holloway, North Carolina A&T's athletics spokesperson, stated that Smith is currently enrolled at the school and has applied to the NCAA to be allowed to play. Smith is not eligible to compete in collegiate athletics as he has already been to the NBA. In most cases, athletes get five years to finish four years of eligibility.Smith spoke Wednesday to reporters at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro (North Carolina) about his decision to return to school following a conversation with Ray Allen, a Basketball Hall of Famer.Smith stated Wednesday that Ray Allen "kind of convinced" him at the golf tournament. We had a small golf trip to [the Dominican Republic] where he talked about some of his activities, and about returning to school and challenging himself for us athletes. It was something I really listened to and I decided to return to A&T, which has one of the most outstanding liberal studies programs.Holloway stated that the next step is to navigate the 17 years since Smith graduated from high school (2004). This complicates the search of his academic records. He said Smith is working actively to attain his eligibility.Holloway stated that they are going through the same process as any prospective student-athlete. "But this one's a little different."NCAA rules state that an individual cannot be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics in a particular sport if they have ever been a member of a professional team in the sport. However, the law does not prohibit a former professional athlete from participating in another sport. Numerous collegiate athletes played professional sports before returning home to compete in Division I athletics.After six seasons in professional baseball, Chris Weinke was only 25 when he entered Florida State. In 1999, Weinke was the leader of Florida State to a national championship. He was 28 when he won the Heisman Trophy.According to PGATour.com, Smith has a 5 handicap. Richard Watkins, North Carolina A&T's golf coach, told the site Wednesday that Smith would be a "big deal" for A&T.Watkins stated that it is not often that someone in Watkins' position has the opportunity to think, dream, or have an idea and be able move forward in that direction. He's a former professional sportsman, but it's an unusual set of circumstances. He never went to college and never matriculated. The clock never stopped.Smith was a McDonald's All-American high school student and initially committed to playing for Roy Williams in North Carolina. He then decided to hire an agent to enter the 2004 NBA Draft. Smith was the 18th pick by the New Orleans Hornets. Smith was a member of both the Cleveland Cavaliers (2015)-16 and the Los Angeles Lakers (1919-20). During the 2012-13 season, he was also awarded the NBA's Sixth Man Of The Year award.
