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Dad says Smith leaving for NBA
NCAA tournament
spt ap Smith declaring
Russ Smith - photo by The Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Junior guard Russ Smith will leave Louisville early to enter the NBA draft, according to his father.Russ Smith Sr. said the Cardinals’ leading scorer “did it all” during a college career that culminated with Louisville’s 82-76 victory over Michigan on Monday night for the NCAA championship. That title, two Big East crowns and an all-conference first-team selection this season completes a resume he said made it easy for his son to move on to the next level.Smith’s father said his son will announce his decision in the next week.The 6-foot-1 Smith averaged 18.7 points this season, including 22.3 in six NCAA tournament games. But he struggled in the Cardinals’ title-clinching victory, missing 13 of 16 shots and finishing with nine points.Nonetheless, Smith Sr. said, “he’s going.”“Last night didn’t bother him,” Smith said Tuesday.