Russ Smith all smiles as Louisville retires his No. 2 jersey

Russ Smith is the only Cardinals player with at least 1,800 career points, 350 assists and 250 steals

Jan 22, 2022

Worried that he might become emotional, Russ Smith simply basked in the energy of a proud moment.

Louisville’s former All-America guard flashed a huge smile on Saturday as a black curtain was pulled back to reveal his No. 2 jersey hanging from the KFC Yum! Center rafters next to four other Cardinal men’s basketball greats. Smith joins an exclusive group including Wes Unseld (31), Darrell Griffith (35), Pervis Ellison (42) and Charlie Tyra (8), and he thanked a charged crowd for supporting him as he made his dream possible.

Former Louisville player Russ Smith watches as his jersey is hung in the rafters at the KFC Yum! Center during his number retirement ceremony at the NCAA college basketball game between Notre Dame and Louisville in Louisville, Ky. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. (Pat McDonogh/Courier Journal via AP)

“You guys have always had my back,” Smith during the halftime ceremony that included his family. “But it ain’t gonna stop here. We’re gonna go up all night, we’re gonna get turnt up and turn this season around.”

Also Read:
Atlanta to spend more on tourism, seeking business travelers

The 6-foot Brooklyn, New York, native, nicknamed “Russdiculous,” led Louisville to the 2013 NCAA championship and 2012 Final Four, appearances that were later vacated. He is the only Cardinals player with at least 1,800 career points, 350 assists and 250 steals.

A very loud reception at the KFC Yum! Center when Rick Pitino came on the screen during Russ Smith’s jersey retirement.
The Smith family went nuts when Pitino came on the screen. pic.twitter.com/sWM84LQnIH
— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) January 22, 2022

Tributes to the fun-loving Smith throughout the game included video congratulations from former teammates including Peyton Siva and Kyle Kuric. A huge cheer erupted when former Louisville coach Rick Pitino appeared onscreen to point out that no Big East or Power 5 school recruited Smith.

Have you subscribed to theGrio podcasts, Dear Culture or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!