Blue Demons Add RJ Smith for 2025-26
4/14/2025 11:47:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
Colroado transfer is a career 39 percent three-point shooter
CHICAGO – DePaul men's basketball added its third transfer signing of the season, Monday, April 14 with the addition of Colorado transfer RJ Smith. Smith joins DePaul after three seasons at Colorado and is expected to have three years of eligibility remaining.
"RJ is a mature, versatile guard who shot close to 40 percent from the three-point line," said head coach Chris Holtmann. "We're really excited about him as we love his shooting capability and ability to play off ball screens as a combo guard. He also has the skill to defend quickness, as well as bigger guards with his strength. RJ has been in a high major practice for three years, yet could still have three years to play. He has been coached well and we know how valuable that is in transitioning to a new program. We look forward to getting RJ here!"
This last season, Smith helped the Buffs reach the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament and record an appearance in the College Basketball Crown. Smith averaged 6.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game across 21.7 minutes of action. He also notched 24 steals and 12 blocks across the season, appearing in 34 contests. A strong three-point shooter, Smith shot a team-high 38.6 percent from three and is 44-of-112 in his career from deep.
Smith recorded double-digits in four of his last seven games of the season, including 10 points against Villanova in the College Basketball Crown. He had a career-high 14 points on 3-of-6 three-point shooting against Iowa State in one of his 16 starts on the year.
A 6-4 combo guard, Smith redshirted in Boulder as a true freshman in 2022-23. He appeared in seven games in 2023-24 before suffering an injury. Prior to his injury as a redshirt freshman, Smith was shooting 45.5 percent from three and had an 11-point performance in 18 minutes against Milwaukee.
A native of Chino, Calif., Smith attended Damien High School where he graduated as the school's all-time leader in steals (260) and wins (112). He was also third all-time with 1,777 career points and second with 824 rebounds. He helped lead his high school team to the CIF Division I Championship with a 32-4 record and was recognized as a four-time all-conference honoree. He was a top 50 player at his position as a recruit.
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For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Basketball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, following the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
TICKET INFORMATION
Deposits for 2025-26 new men's basketball season tickets are now open for as low as $25! Secure your seats today DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets and help us create an elite atmosphere in Wintrust Arena.
Fans can stay up-to-date on special ticket offers by signing up for email or text updates from DePaul Athletics.
"RJ is a mature, versatile guard who shot close to 40 percent from the three-point line," said head coach Chris Holtmann. "We're really excited about him as we love his shooting capability and ability to play off ball screens as a combo guard. He also has the skill to defend quickness, as well as bigger guards with his strength. RJ has been in a high major practice for three years, yet could still have three years to play. He has been coached well and we know how valuable that is in transitioning to a new program. We look forward to getting RJ here!"
This last season, Smith helped the Buffs reach the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament and record an appearance in the College Basketball Crown. Smith averaged 6.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game across 21.7 minutes of action. He also notched 24 steals and 12 blocks across the season, appearing in 34 contests. A strong three-point shooter, Smith shot a team-high 38.6 percent from three and is 44-of-112 in his career from deep.
Smith recorded double-digits in four of his last seven games of the season, including 10 points against Villanova in the College Basketball Crown. He had a career-high 14 points on 3-of-6 three-point shooting against Iowa State in one of his 16 starts on the year.
A 6-4 combo guard, Smith redshirted in Boulder as a true freshman in 2022-23. He appeared in seven games in 2023-24 before suffering an injury. Prior to his injury as a redshirt freshman, Smith was shooting 45.5 percent from three and had an 11-point performance in 18 minutes against Milwaukee.
A native of Chino, Calif., Smith attended Damien High School where he graduated as the school's all-time leader in steals (260) and wins (112). He was also third all-time with 1,777 career points and second with 824 rebounds. He helped lead his high school team to the CIF Division I Championship with a 32-4 record and was recognized as a four-time all-conference honoree. He was a top 50 player at his position as a recruit.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Basketball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, following the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
TICKET INFORMATION
Deposits for 2025-26 new men's basketball season tickets are now open for as low as $25! Secure your seats today DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets and help us create an elite atmosphere in Wintrust Arena.
Fans can stay up-to-date on special ticket offers by signing up for email or text updates from DePaul Athletics.
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