Photo by: Andrew Fielding
Junior point guard Emiko Smith tallied her 428th career assist during Denver’s 73-51 victory over Troy on Dec. 28, becoming the Pioneers’ all-time assist leader.
During the three games since Smith broke the record, she has increased her current career assists total to 448. Heather Holter (1989-93) previously held the record with 427 career assists.
“Assists are the statistic we look at most,” said head coach Erik Johnson. “It means that our offense is running efficiently and really represents unselfish play. It’s what allows us to have success. She is one of the best in the business at setting people up and putting us in great position to score.”
Smith has been the Pioneers’ point guard since her freshman season in 2009-2010, leading the team in minutes played both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Both years, she led the team and finished second or better in the Sun Belt Conference in assists.
“Being a freshman point guard in Division I basketball is like being a rookie quarterback in the NFL,” said Johnson. “When she came here as a freshman she was the only point guard we had, and I pretty much just handed her the keys. This past week just shows how far she has come.”
While starting as a freshman was challenging for Smith, it allowed her to establish herself early on as a player to look out for.
“Early in her career, we had three all-conference, 1,000-point scorers [Brianna Culberson, Britteni Rice and Kaetlyn Murdoch]. She really got to play in her comfort zone, and they were all successful because of Emi.”
However, Culberson and Rice graduated in 2011, leaving a much younger team to be run by the now-veteran Smith.
“This year we have a lot of younger players, and we are getting to watch her [Smith] step up and teach them and become a scorer as well,” said Johnson. “She has grown into a more complete player. Defenses have to pay attention to her.”
Despite the significance of this record, Smith wasn’t focused on it.
“I actually didn’t know I was close,” said Smith. “We didn’t talk about it until a couple hours before the game. It’s a great honor, but it’s all about the team doing great, not just the individual player.”
Smith began playing basketball in second grade after growing up with two athletic older brothers. Before coming to Denver, she started on the varsity team all four years at Windward School in Los Angeles, Calif.
“Basketball is everything,” said Smith. “I’ve played since I was young. You learn so much both on the court and off. You learn to work with people, to build relationships. It’s a great thing to be a part of. It makes you a better person.”
According to Johnson, Smith’s personality is what sets her apart both as a player and as a team leader.
“She is truly one of the most engaging, charismatic and enthusiastic people you’ll meet,” said Johnson. “To have a leader who comes in and has energy and is enthusiastic, it’s unbelievable what a difference that makes. She really just defines our team and our work ethic.”
