Rik Smits is a former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He played his entire career for the Indiana Pacers and in 1998, he was named an NBA All-Star. Born in the Netherlands, Smits also represented his country in FIBA and other European tournaments.
Player Profile, Personal Life, and, College Career
Rik Smits was born on August 23, 1966 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. He stands 224 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 113 kg tall. He started playing basketball when he was fourteen and he stayed in the Netherlands until 1984 when he moved to the United States. He is the father of Derrik Smits, who played collegiate basketball.
He played collegiate basketball from 1984 to 1988 for Marist College. While there, he was named the 1987 and 1988 ECAC Metro Player of the Year. Also, he was the ECAC Metro Newcomer of the Year. The following year, he was also the 1986 ECAC Metro Tournament MVP.
| Position | Center |
| Height / weight | 2.24 m / 113 kg |
| Born | 23 Aug 1966 |
| Nationality |
Netherlands
|
| Playing Style | Right Handed |
| Team History | |
Indiana
|
1988 - 2000 |
Professional Career
He joined the NBA and started playing for the Indiana Pacers in 1988 after he was chosen in the first round of the 1988 NBA Draft, selected 2nd overall. In his first year with Indiana, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
While in the NBA, he also played for the Netherlands in FIBA events, and in he was named to the 1987 FIBA European Selection. In 1998, he was named an NBA All-Star. He retired in 2000. Later, he was selected to the Pacer’s 40th Anniversary Team.
Career Highlights
- 1998 - NBA All-Star
- 1989 - NBA All-Rookie First Team
- 1987 - FIBA European Selection
- 1985 - ECAC Metro Newcomer of theYear
- 1986, 1987, 1988 - All ECAC MetroFirst team
- 1986 - ECAC Metro tournament MVP
- 1987, 1988 - ECAC Metro Player ofthe Year
- No. 45 retired by Marist Red Foxes
