16) CHARLES SMITH

16. Charles Smith: Pittsburgh – (1984-88) Bridgeport, CT

Four years: 16.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2.8 bpg, 53.4% FG, 75.3% FT.

Rookie of the Year (1985)

Player of the Year (1988)

The first big time recruit for Pitt once they joined the conference and as of now he’s still the best player during their Big East history. Smith was a rarity in that he could do a little bit of everything despite being a 6’10” center.

He was a success immediately, averaging 15.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 2.2 bpg. That season resulted in Smith being named Rookie of the Year. His sophomore year was similar with 15.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg, and 2.8 bpg. During his junior season, Smith better displayed his all around game by averaging 17.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg, while shooting 55.0% from the field and blocking 106 shots for a 3.2 bpg average. Smith’s excellent rebound average was particularly impressive because teammate Jerome Lane led the country in the same season with 13.5 rpg. As a senior, the No.2 seeded Panthers were finally expected to make a huge run in the NCAA tournament, but instead were upset in the second round. Smith, however, again had a great season with 18.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg, while shooting an exceptional 55.5% from the field. Defensively, he again showed his excellence with 3.1 bpg.

For his career, Smith totaled 2,045 points and 987 rebounds, and in conference play he finished 8th in blocked shots and made free throws, and 13th in rebounds.

Drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Smith was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Ultimately, Smith played nine seasons for three teams, and ended his career with a 14.4 career average.

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