Early Life and Education of Nolan Smith: A Complete Timeline

Updated: March 20, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Nolan Smith, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Nolan Smith is a former American professional basketball player and current head coach for Tennessee State. He played college basketball at Duke University, where he won a national championship in 2010. As a senior, he was named a consensus first-team All-American and the ACC Player of the Year. Smith was drafted 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA draft.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1980: Father's Championship

In 1980, Nolan Smith's father was a member of the NCAA championship team.

July 25, 1988: Nolan Smith's Birth

On July 25, 1988, Nolan Derek Smith was born. He would later become a professional basketball player, playing for the Duke Blue Devils and being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Father's Assistant Coach Position

In 1994, Nolan Smith began frequently attending Washington Bullets practices after his father, Derek Smith, took an assistant coach position.

1996: Father's Death

Following the death of his father in 1996, the Bullets made Nolan Smith a frequent guest at their home games.

2003: Freshman Season at St. John's College High School

In 2003, as an eighth grader, Nolan Smith played varsity basketball for The Key School before moving to St. John's College High School for his freshman season.

2004: Sophomore Season at Riverdale Baptist School

In 2004, Nolan Smith attended Riverdale Baptist School and led the team to a 33-1 record, earning All-Metro honors.

2005: Junior Year at Oak Hill Academy

In 2005, during his junior year at Oak Hill Academy, Nolan Smith averaged 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals per game.

November 13, 2006: Signed National Letter of Intent

On November 13, 2006, Nolan Smith signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for Duke University.

2006: Senior Year at Oak Hill Academy

In 2006, Nolan Smith's senior year at Oak Hill Academy, he averaged 22.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game.

2007: Freshman Year at Duke

In 2007, Nolan Smith began his freshman year at Duke, playing in all 34 games.

2007: All-American Honors and Rankings

In 2007, Nolan Smith earned first-team EA Sports and Parade All-American honors, contributing to Oak Hill earning the top spot in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings.

2007: Recruitment Ranking

In 2007, Nolan Smith was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, and was ranked as the No. 8 shooting guard and the No. 39 player in the nation.