When and where was Rik Smits born?
Rik Smits was born on the 23rd of August 1966 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. He began playing basketball at age 14 for a local club called PSV, Almonte.
Questions about Rik Smits
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What team did Rik Smits play for after college?
The Indiana Pacers selected him second overall in the 1988 NBA draft. This made him the first player from Marist College to ever play in the league.
Why did Rik Smits retire from professional basketball?
Foot problems hobbled Smits for the majority of his playing career due to nerve damage caused by wearing tight shoes during his teenage years in Europe. These physical issues contributed to his decision to retire after the 1999, 2000 season following four surgeries to repair nerve damage in his feet alone.
How many children does Rik Smits have and what do they do?
Smits has two children named Jasmine and Derrik who both entered the basketball industry. Jasmine Smits currently serves as the Player Relations Coordinator for the Indiana Pacers and their farm team while Derrik Smits played for the Valparaiso University men's basketball team from 2016 to 2019.
When was Rik Smits born and where did he attend college?
Rik Smits was born on the 23rd of August 1966 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. He left his home country in 1984 to attend Marist College in the United States.