Nolan Smith will join Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker in Utah for two exhibition games.
The rookie Portland Trail Blazers guard's participation was confirmed Thursday.
"Nolan is a very dynamic and accomplished player who I loved watching throughout his career at Duke," Fredette said. "Much like Kemba, Nolan is very competitive and will want to put on a great show for the fans in Utah. He is always looking for ways to get better, so playing against other top rookies will be an opportunity that I’m sure he will enjoy."
Smith earned first-team All-America honors while starring for Duke during the 2010-11 season, and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year. He was drafted 21st overall overall by the Blazers during the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. Smith guided the Blue Devils to the 2010 NCAA men's basketball championship and helped Duke record three consecutive 30-win seasons. He averaged 20.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds last season.
Walker was selected by Charlotte with the ninth overall pick during the 2011 draft, while Fredette was taken No. 10 by Sacramento.
Walker's participation in the exhibition games was confirmed Wednesday. Names for other participating players will be revealed during the coming weeks.
The contents will be held Sept. 21 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City and Sept. 22 at the Marriott Center in Provo. Tickets are on sale at the venues' box offices, websites and by phone.
Brian T. Smith
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