Randy Smith, RIP
Buffalo Braves star — and Buffalo State College legend — Randy Smith passed away at his Connecticut home on Thursday. He was 60 and reportedly died of a heart attack while exercising on a treadmill.
The sports world will be full of Smith reminiscences this week, but feel free to hit the comments below and add your own memories or comments.
For a reminder of how good a basketball player he was, check out the YouTube video below featuring great footage from Smith's MVP performance in the 1978 NBA All-Star Game.
Buffalo Braves Nation mourns this loss of our franchise's most beloved hero. Randy's game defined Braves basketball- swift, powerful and unwavering. And like the Braves, he too, passes from us too quickly. As a freshman at Notre Dame of Batavia high school, I remember going on a religious retreat in 1977. Our final assignment was to write an essay on the man we admired most. I remember that one fellow classmate wrote about Jesus. I wrote mine about Randy Smith. Tonite, I pray they walk together in the Aud up high.
Posted by: Louis Cinquino, Buffalobraves.net | June 04, 2009 at 11:53 PM
I had the pleasure of playing pick up ball with Randy (after he retired) a few times down at the BAC. He was not too proud to play with a bunch of men's league hackers and always conducted himself with class and set an example for sportsmanship. It should go without saying that he was still a great athlete.
Once, when guarding another player, I ran into a wall and fell to the floor. I looked up to see Randy smiling down at me offering a helping hand: "That's an NBA pick," he said. He had planted himself on my blind side and let me run into him to give a teammate an open shot. RIP Randy.
Posted by: Danno | June 05, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Buffalo,NY was the city of my first broadcasting job and my first meeting with BLO All Star,Randy Smith!Randy was always a real Hero to the buffalo fans, you will truly missed. God Bless my brother RIP!
Posted by: Kelly Karson | June 05, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Such a charitable person. I didn't have the pleasure of watching Randy play in the NBA. I remember him more for the chartiy work he did in this community. Buffalo adopted him and he adopted this area. Three-sport athlete at BSC, but a better person off the playing field. We'll miss you, Randy!!!!!!!!
Posted by: abdul | June 05, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Was A Classmate of Randy at Bellport High School,LI NY. He was extremely well liked by all.
He was a great basketball player, but just an all around good guy. My deepest sympathy to his family...RIP Randy
Posted by: RHONDA | June 05, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Remember going to Braves game with girlfiend Karen who was a Buff State Grad and now administrator and telling her Randy was only on the team because he was a local talent.
He wasn't really up to NBA standards. Boy; was I ever wrong, he was a tremendous talent / athlete. Take care All-Star MVP - enjoyed you while you were here!
Posted by: BuffaloBill | June 05, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Three sport All Aamerican and a humble indiviual. Got to know and play ball with Randy in Buffalo. Sorry to hear you had to leave so soon.
Posted by: John F. Polo | June 05, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Randy was one of the quickest guard that ever play the game. He brought excitement to the aud while playing for the braves. The Randy Smith summer league was one of the best summer classic in the country .
Posted by: ronnie | June 05, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Randy was the best athlete I ever played with, bar none. But more importantly, he had the sweetest soul. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I am saddened beyond belief......
Posted by: John Hummer | June 05, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Trying that reverse layup at the local blacktop court -- just the way Randy would do it ... listening with my brothers to Van Miller's call, "Randy for two!", in bed on a school night ...
You'll always be young, Randy. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Italia | June 05, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Randy founded his Community Based Organization, National Inner Cities Youth Opportunities, Inc.(NICYO)in 1974. My best friend, Randy Hired me in 1987 to implement his vision and we are still here going strong. I promise we will continue to honor his memory and legacy.
JOYCE WILSON NIXON, CEO
NICYO
Posted by: JOYCE WILSON NIXON | June 05, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Randy Smith was the comsummate Buffalo Brave, consistent, hard-working and gave 110% every game. A great talent who did his speaking on the court, and never showboated. I remember seeing Braves games as a teenager and still replay that twice a game steal, patented reverse dunk, and roar of the Aud crowd afterward. Then, without fanfare, he headed back and set up on defense, making it look like it was all in a days work.
Rest in peace, and thanks for being part of lives.
Posted by: DFITZ | June 05, 2009 at 11:24 PM
I remember getting his autograph on a paper bag @ McDonalds on Main St.Still have it to this day.Loved watching him play with Buff State and the Braves.RIP Randy
Posted by: Joel Mattie | June 06, 2009 at 08:41 AM
I want to personal thank everyone who made comments concerning Randy Smith. As his Buffalo State Teammate, best friend and brother, I will miss him dearly. He changed my life and showed me the kind of love everyone should have toward their fellow man.
Randy was not just a basketball player or great athlete. If you remember nothing else about him, you should never forget his humility and warm smile. He was the most unselfish person I have ever known.
During his time in the NBA and even afterward, people told me Randy did not get the recognition he deserved as a player. However, I want everyone to know that he wanted it that way. Randy did not seek fame, he only wanted to play in the NBA. He once told me he would do it for free. That's how much he loved the game.
Rest in Peace, my brother, I will always love you and never ever forget you.
Durie Burns
Posted by: Durie | June 06, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Mayor Brown should give Randy Smith and family the Key to the City of Buffalo. They really deserve it...
A bronze statue in the Quad at Buffalo State would fit nicely too.
Even in the oranges all knew who the best player on the floor was.....#9.
Step up Byron!!
Posted by: J R | June 07, 2009 at 11:12 PM
I had the great privilege of knowing Randy from 5th grade until his untimely passing last week. He was always the best athlete at what ever sport he played, it didn't matter if it was basketball, baseball, track, soccer,etc. he was always simply the best. The most enduring quality wasn't his on the field exploits but his great humility and concern for others off the field. Having grown up with him and then working with him in the NBA years later as a San Diego Clipper he was always "Slim" to me, his Bellport HS nickname. I will always be thankful to him for the doors he helped open for me and the friendship he always exhibited to my family. I never heard anybody anywhere ever have a bad thing to say about him. He was funny, classy, loyal and honest. If you had to share a foxhole with anyone, Randy would be the one. We're all going to miss you and I'll always keep you in my prayers. RIP "Slim" catch up with you later!
Posted by: mike florio | June 11, 2009 at 12:11 AM
sorry to balatedly read of randy smith's passing.i rode next to him on the bus to a track meet in 1970. he asked about my events .he was a cordial and modest. later that day i saw the high jump bar at 7 feet where he left off he was also a tremendous triple jumper. fond memories long before the consecutive games steak rip
Posted by: willam walker | June 14, 2009 at 03:36 PM
I used to go to The Aud to watch the Braves a few times a year when I was a student at UB. Randy was always my favorite player. What a great athlete. He did The Braves and the city of Buffalo proud.
Posted by: George Wilson | July 14, 2009 at 05:33 PM