NC State's Terquavion Smith entering NBA Draft

NC State's Terquavion Smith is headed to the NBA after two seasons in Raleigh.

Posted 8:18 p.m. Mar 28, 2023 — Updated 8:59 p.m. Mar 28, 2023

RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State's Terquavion Smith is headed to the NBA after two seasons in Raleigh.

Smith announced the news in a thank you note posted Tuesday afternoon on his Instagram page.

"As you all know, playing in the NBA has been a lifelong dram of mine," Smith wrote. "And now, I'm excited to share that I'm declaring for the 2023 NBA draft.

"I'm ready to give it my all and make my mark at the next level."

Smith thanked his family, friends, coaches and teammates for his time in Raleigh.

"The love and encouragement they've given me has been absolutely priceless," Smith said. "I also want to give a shoutout to my time at NC State.

"Coach [Kevin] Keatts, the coaches and the staff have been instrumental in shaping me into the player I am today. They've challenged me in ways I never thought possible, and I'm so grateful for their guidance."

ESPN's Jonathan Givony was the first to report the news about Smith.

Smith was an All-ACC Second-Team pick for averaging 17.9 points, 4,1 assists and 1. 5 steals for the Wolfpack. He was the ACC's second-leading scorer behind Wake Forest's Tyree Appleby. The Farmville Central High graduate hit 91 three-pointers, good enough for second in the conference. Smith helped the Wolfpack to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 and starred in big conference wins against Duke, North Carolina and Miami.

"To the Wolfpack Nation, you guys have been incredible," Smith wrote in his Instagram post. "You made Raleigh feel like home, and I"ll always cherish the memories we made together."

Smith made 96 three-pointers in 2021-2022, the most ever by an NC State freshman.

Smith built on a stellar first year, where he averaged 16.3 points per game and had many fans thinking he'd go to the NBA after just one collegiate season. Smith was named to the Jerry West Award watch list and was on the preseason All-ACC first team.

Smith also thanked his teammates.

"They've always had my back, and I'll never forget that," Smith said.

DraftExpress has Smith as a projected first-round pick.

The early entry deadline for underclassmen wishing to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft is April 23. However, the early entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen who wish to maintain their collegiate eligibility is May 31.

The NBA Draft Combine is set for May 14-21 in Chicago.

The 2023 NBA Draft is set for June 22 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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