Greenville, S.C. – Former Furman men's basketball standout PJay Smith Jr. has signed a professional contract with Manchester basketball in the United Kingdom, it was announced on Sunday.
 
Smith, a first team All-Southern Conference selection in 2025, led the Paladins to a 25-10 record, SoCon championship game appearance and an at-large berth to the NIT this past season. A starter in all 33 games for the Paladins, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.1. rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 41.3% from behind the arc. Smith ranked in the top 10 nationally in three-pointers per game and total three-point baskets (111).
 
The LaVergne, Tenn., native garnered NABC All-District Second Team honors and was a finalist for the Lou Henson Award. Smith topped 20 points in five of his last seven games as a Paladins, including 27 in the SoCon finals versus Wofford. He concluded his Furman career averaging 13.8 points per game in 66 career games as a Paladin.
 
"We are really happy to bring PJay to Manchester," commented Manchester's Managing Director Dominique Allen. "He's a talented point guard who really impressed us with his performances the last couple of seasons at Furman. His ability to score and create for others will be huge for us as we compete on the domestic and European front."
 
Manchester is set to open play in the Super League on Friday, September 19.
 
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