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Exclusive: One on One with Memphis Grizzlies’ Russ Smith

By Christian Dudley

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May 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Russ Smith (2) passes the ball away from Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa (19) during the fourth quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 101-86. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Beale Street Bears sat down with former NCAA Champion and current Memphis Grizzlies guard Russ Smith as he prepares for his sophomore NBA season.

On Tuesday, July 21st, 2015, Beale Street Bears caught up with the Memphis Grizzlies’ Russ Smith at the three-day Kentucky Camp of Champions youth basketball camp being held in southern Indiana.

Smith has held a series of these camps this summer and is spreading his basketball knowledge across the Midwest to develop the next generation of basketball stars. It is not just the traditional fundamentals that are being taught, but additionally, life skills are being presented and developed–something not all youth camps will showcase.

For more details on the camps led by Russdiculous, check out our recent story.

Grizz Nation, enjoy getting to know Russ Smith and his firsthand insight.

Christian Dudley: “Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies played the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Of course, Mike Conley had an injury and came back from that, Nick Calathes was thrown out there and he could not stop Stephen Curry defensively, and then you had Beno Udrih who had a prior ankle injury. Do you think you could have made a bigger impact if you would have received minutes? Could you have slowed down Curry?”

Jan 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Russ Smith (2) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic 106-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Russ Smith: “Not at all. I don’t think last year I was ready to see the floor from an experience standpoint. My teammates did a great job. I felt like watching and that is what really matters. Beno’s injury obviously slowed him down. Nick Calathes stepped in and we did the best we could. I mean, Curry is the MVP of the NBA. He was not the MVP for no reason. Nobody would have been able to change it much. Mike was hurt and obviously came back and did tremendous. I think we just ran into something–ran into a force–that eventually won the championship, so you just have to tip your hats off.”

CD: “What can Grizzlies fans expect from you this season on offense and also defense?”

RS: “I have to get on the court first. I got to keep working hard. Hopefully I get a chance to play and they can expect me to work hard in practice. Whatever happens–on the court, in the game–will be the result of how much work I put in off the court.”

CD: “What do you think of Jarnell Stokes and Jordan Adams? How were they looking in summer league?”

RS: “I love playing with them. I love playing with them. It is great playing with Jarnell–he catches every ball I throw him. Finishes, communicates with me…and same with Jordan, he is always in the right spot. He communicates with me and we all talk defensively. It’s like we are all into sync. So I appreciate the fact that I have some really good teammates.”

Thanks goes to Russ Smith for taking time out of his busy day to allow us to pick his brain regarding his rookie NBA season with the Grizzlies as well as his upcoming sophomore year.

You can follow “Russdiculous” on his personal Twitter account here.

Continue to check Beale Street Bears for the latest news, rumors, and other info of the offseason regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

Next: How is Russ Smith gaining Grizzlies fans via youth camps?

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