Joe Gaiter: What does basketball mean to you?
Ivan Smith: I’ve had the ball in my hands since I was like 2 years old so basketball is everything to me. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without it.
Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and tell us about your childhood.
Ivan Smith: I grew up in Casselberry, FL right outside of Orlando. I had a good childhood but I’ve definitely been through and seen a lot growing up. Basketball was always that outlet for me whenever I needed it.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Oviedo High School?
Ivan Smith: Interactions with the people I met for sure. Especially some of the administrators like Dr. Daniel, Mrs. Blake and Mrs. Z because of how much they would look out for me and make sure I was always focused. To this day they’re still some of my favorite people. Other than that I’d say the games. Our student section was always rocking and it just brought a different type of energy.
Joe Gaiter: How did it feel to be 2014 State Champion, FABC All Star Game, Spectrum Sports Athlete of the Year?
Ivan Smith: That state championship team was a great team. I was only a freshman when we won so being able to be a part of that was a big learning experience for me. When it comes to being in the all-star game and being athlete of the year those were special because it was a testament to all the work I put in.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience?
Ivan Smith: My recruitment early on was a good experience. I had a number of good schools that I was in contact with but I ended up going juco.
Joe Gaiter: How was your time at Santa Fe College?
Ivan Smith: I enjoyed my time at Santa Fe. We had a better record my first year than we did the second year but both teams had some great players.
Joe Gaiter: What made you choose Montevallo?
Ivan Smith: I’m big on first impressions and Coach Young made a real good first impression. He showed that he wanted me more than the other coaches that were recruiting me. And when I went on the visit I loved everything about the school.
Joe Gaiter: What were some of your stats this year?
Ivan Smith: Season highs were 18 pts, 9 ast, 5 rbs.
Joe Gaiter: Montevallo was 12-17 this year. What went wrong in your opinion?
We started out strong but I think we got comfortable. We started to lose focus and shy away from the things that got us to where we were in the beginning.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity this year?
Ivan Smith: I faced adversity when I had missed a bunch of games due to a foot injury but I feel like I came back strong and ended up playing some of my better games after that.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you such a good guard on the court?
Ivan Smith: My athleticism for sure. That makes things easier for me offensively and defensively. Being as quick as I am I feel like nobody can stay in front of me and that opens up a lot of options not only for myself but my teammates as well
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Ivan Smith: I’ll save that one for the autobiography.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?
Ivan Smith: I’m majoring in sociology and I plan on using it to aid in youth development specifically in more impoverished areas.
Joe Gaiter: What is life like for you off the court?
Ivan Smith: I’m a homebody. I stay to myself most of the time
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during the offseason?
Ivan Smith: Any court I can get access to.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we need to keep on our radar?
Ivan Smith: The ENTIRE Montevallo men’s basketball team.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Head Coach Danny Young and Assistant Coach Brannan Anthony?
Ivan Smith: They always try their best to look out for me and are there whenever I need them. Those are my guys for sure.
Joe Gaiter: What are your predictions for next season?
Ivan Smith: Champions.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the court?
Ivan Smith: My family and the doubters are what motivate me most.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Ivan Smith: I’m just getting started!
Joe Gaiter: Shout outs?
Ivan Smith: Shoutout to Gaitersports, my family and everybody who constantly supports and shows me love.
Instagram: ivan_smith
