Week 7 Open the Gate Honoree: Ish Smith
10/9/2024 12:26:00 PM | Football
A stellar athlete and leader on and off the court, Ish Smith exemplifies excellence in athletics and leadership in his time in collegiate and professional sports.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Hailing from the nearby town of Concord, N.C., Ishmael "Ish" Smith is regarded as one of the top all-around players in Wake Forest men's basketball history. Smith began his career with the Demon Deacons in 2006, where he became just the fifth freshman in the history of the ACC to lead the league in assists.
At point guard, Smith broke the Wake Forest record for assists – a title previously held by notable Demon Deacon and Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famer, Chris Paul. In his four years as a Demon Deacon, Smith helped lead the team to three winning seasons in the ACC and one NCAA tournament berth.
A member of the 1,000-point club, Smith is the only Deac with 1,000 points and 600 assists, thanks to his 3,667 total career points – sixth in Wake Forest history. He was also the first Demon Deacon with 400 rebounds and 500 assists in his career, in addition to his 1,000 points. Leading the ACC in assists as a freshman, he routinely played 40 minutes per game, showcasing the true determination of his character.
However, Smith's talents and skills extend far beyond assists and career points. He served as a three-year team captain after his debut season, even with an injury setback at the beginning of his junior year.
The ACC freshman leader in assists graduated with a degree in religion and began his NBA journey as an undrafted free agent with the Toronto Raptors. During the 2022-2023 season, Smith played for the Denver Nuggets, helping to earn the programs' first ever NBA Championship.
During his career, Smith spent time with 13 different organizations, the most in NBA history, including two separate stints with the Charlotte Hornets.
Over his 14-year NBA career, Smith averaged 7.1 points and 3.8 assists per game while playing 19.2 minutes per game. The former NBA player has since returned to the Washington Wizards organization as a professional scout.
In September he was announced as a Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame inductee, set for enshrinement in 2025.
Open the Gate Information & 2024 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.
Week 1 - Bill Hayes
Week 2 - Dr. Lindsay A. Thompson
Week 3 - Dr. Jose Miguel Grave de Peralta Jr.
Week 5 - Rachel Kuehn
Week 7 - Ish Smith
At point guard, Smith broke the Wake Forest record for assists – a title previously held by notable Demon Deacon and Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famer, Chris Paul. In his four years as a Demon Deacon, Smith helped lead the team to three winning seasons in the ACC and one NCAA tournament berth.
A member of the 1,000-point club, Smith is the only Deac with 1,000 points and 600 assists, thanks to his 3,667 total career points – sixth in Wake Forest history. He was also the first Demon Deacon with 400 rebounds and 500 assists in his career, in addition to his 1,000 points. Leading the ACC in assists as a freshman, he routinely played 40 minutes per game, showcasing the true determination of his character.
However, Smith's talents and skills extend far beyond assists and career points. He served as a three-year team captain after his debut season, even with an injury setback at the beginning of his junior year.
The ACC freshman leader in assists graduated with a degree in religion and began his NBA journey as an undrafted free agent with the Toronto Raptors. During the 2022-2023 season, Smith played for the Denver Nuggets, helping to earn the programs' first ever NBA Championship.
During his career, Smith spent time with 13 different organizations, the most in NBA history, including two separate stints with the Charlotte Hornets.
Over his 14-year NBA career, Smith averaged 7.1 points and 3.8 assists per game while playing 19.2 minutes per game. The former NBA player has since returned to the Washington Wizards organization as a professional scout.
In September he was announced as a Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame inductee, set for enshrinement in 2025.
Open the Gate Information & 2024 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.
Week 1 - Bill Hayes
Week 2 - Dr. Lindsay A. Thompson
Week 3 - Dr. Jose Miguel Grave de Peralta Jr.
Week 5 - Rachel Kuehn
Week 7 - Ish Smith
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