HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) -The Alabama A&M men’s basketball team will head into the 2024-25 season, without their leading scorer. The Bulldogs senior guard, Dailin Smith announced on Monday he would take this season to work towards his dream of playing professional basketball.

“I just have the ultimate confidence in myself, that I have what it takes to play at that level. It’s definitely been a journey and I’m thankful for it all,” said Dailin Smith.

Smith isn’t fully stepping away from the team. He will practice and train alongside his teammates as we works towards a professional contract. Making the decision to sit out, rather than use his final season of NCAA eligibility. It was a choice that didn’t come easy for the senior standout.

“It wasn’t an easy conversation. breaking it down to your guys that are expecting you to come back and waiting for you to come back and telling them that you’re not,” said Smith, “But the support is there, and I know this program has the ultimate confidence and belief in me, so that goes a long way in making my decision as well.”

Though it was a decision, this Bulldogs felt was right for the future he always knew would become a reality.

“Since I was young it’s been my dream to chase an NBA career, a professional career at that. I feel like I’m headed on that path and I wake up everyday ambitious to chase that dream, chase that goal,” said Smith.

Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube: Watch the latest WAFF 48 news, sports & weather videos on our YouTube channel!

Copyright 2024 WAFF. All rights reserved.