YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College head men's basketball coach Jeremy Currier announced former Winthrop University standout Andre Smith will be joining his staff as an assistant coach.
 
Smith comes to the Enchanted Valley after spending the last two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Winthrop. Prior to that Smith played professional basketball overseas with played professionally in in the Georgian Super-League, the top league in the country of Georgia.
 
"I am excited to welcome Andre to the Young Harris family," said Currier. "Andre has learned under one of the best in the business under Coach Pat Kelsey at Winthrop University, where he played an important role in establishing a rock solid championship culture. We are working to build a similar culture of excellence on and off the court, and I look forward to Andre having a significant impact with our basketball program at Young Harris College."
 
Smith played professionally for BC Sukhumi in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2015-16, where he averaged 8.0 points per game and 3.0 assists as their point guard. The season was highlighted when Smith made eight three-pointers against league champions BC Kutaisi.
 
Prior to his professional career, Smith starred at Winthrop from 2011-15, where he started at the point guard for his final three seasons. Smith is one of two players in program history to score more than 1,000 points, have more than 300 assist, and make over 200 three-pointers. Smith ranks in the top 10 in school history in assists, all-time three-pointers made, and games played.
 
Smith played high school basketball in Tampa, Florida, at Blake High School from 2007-11 where he scored 1,900 career points. Smith is currently the all-time leading scorer and recorded the most assists in school history. While at Blake, the Yellow Jackets won two district championships, a regional final, and an appearance in the Florida State final four. Smith was named the Tampa Player of the Year for both his junior and senior season.
 
What They Are Saying About Andre Smith
 
"From the moment I met Andre seven years ago, I knew he was destined to coach. He thought like a coach even during his playing days. As a point guard, he was an extension of me on the floor. His love of the game, knowledge of the game and his personality are infectious. He has an elite ability to form and cultivate relationships which is so key in our business. Coach Currier made a terrific hire."  - Pat Kelsey, Head Coach, Winthrop University
 
"I'm ecstatic for Young Harris College to have a talented young coach in Andre Smith. It's a great marriage! His ability to connect with student athletes and develop them athletically is off the charts for a young coach! I'm looking forward to the success Coach Currier will continue to have with the addition of Coach Smith." – Jayson Gee, Assistant Coach, University of Cincinnati
 
"Andre Smith has a unique ability to connect with student athletes. That quality will be invaluable for the current roster and on the recruiting trail. His ability to develop players on and off the floor is extremely advanced for a young coach. Young Harris got a great one. Andre is a rising star in this business!" — Mike Howland, Assistant Coach, The College of William and Mary