Stevens On Andrew Smith: Great Impact, Great Legacy In Short Time
BOSTON (CBS) -- Celtics head coach Brad Stevens coached Tuesday night's 120-114 loss to the Knicks with a heavy heart.
Stevens held back tears as he talked to reporters before the game about the passing of 25-year-old Andrew Smith, one of his former players at Butler who lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday.
The C's coach joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand on Wednesday to reflect on Smith's life and legacy.
"He was one of the guys you had to root for; a self-made player with a great personality. He was very intelligent and smart and made the most out of himself as a player. Those same traits carried over to the way he carried himself academically in school and the way he lived his life," said Stevens. "Much too young to go through what he went through the last two years. We're all very sad, and at the same time I think we can all celebrate a great impact and great legacy in a short amount of time.
"We all strive to have an impact on this world, and not very many people can do it in 25 years the way he did it."
Stevens said he knew Smith was special because of his approach on the floor and off it.
"He came in when he was a freshman and never complained about not playing and just worked for his time. He attacked his sickness like that," said Stevens. "You're drawn to people like that regardless, but spending four years together and seeing the growth, you get drawn to those guys.
Stevens said one of the best parts of coaching is "being inspired by the people you're around."
The C's coach also touched on the team's recent struggles and their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers:
