Ike Smith, according to the 2019-20 online roster, will play for the Georgia Southern men’s basketball team after being granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA.

After a season ending injury during just the 10th contest last December, the rising redshirt senior was unable to play alongside Montae Glenn and Tookie Brown in the journey to the Sun Belt Tournament.

The 6-4 guard was greatly missed by his fans, coaches and teammates alike. He averaged about 15 points and six rebounds before his injury.

The Gainesville, Florida native earned first team All-Sun Belt and NABC All-District honors during his sophomore campaign and averaged 12 points his junior year. His sophomore year, he led the conference in scoring.

Head Coach Mark Byington announced that Smith would be applying for the waiver in February in a press release after a successful back surgery.

“We definitely wish Ike was able to play again this season, but this is the best thing for him,” Byington said. “I believe Ike is one of the top players in the Sun Belt, but even without Ike, I feel we can still win a championship. He is progressing well in his rehab and will be 100 percent recovered by next year.”

Smith will join fellow seniors Trey Dawkins, Simeon Carter and Isaiah Crawley. 

Amanda Arnold, The George-Anne Sports Editor, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu