The torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended Smith’s season on the final day of 2020 hasn’t soured the senior guard on what he hopes is another six weeks of being the Bruins’ loudest cheerleader. He’ll offer a few words of encouragement, an arm around the shoulders, a reminder of how much fun this all is even though he can no longer be part of it.Ĭhris Smith’s college career may be over, but his teammates’ run toward a memorable March could just be getting started. The most buoyant player on the court before UCLA games is often the one awkwardly ambling from baseline to team huddle, lugging his bulky leg brace along with a constant smile.
