PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico men's basketball is welcoming Kobe Smith to the Greyhounds for the 2025-26 season.
 
"This guy is a winner," said head coach Daven Võ. "He brings qualities that aren't always quantified"
 
Smith brings vital experience via Hutchinson Community College where he was a key member of the Blue Dragons for two seasons. In his freshman season, he played in 36 games and made six starts. He made a key difference with HCC as he started all three games in the national tournament for the program helping the team advance to the quarterfinals. The transfer guard helped the program go 29-7 (20-4 KJCCC) during the season while shooting 49.7% from the floor.
 
As a sophomore, Smith saw action in 31 games with 13 starts. HCC advanced to the regional quarterfinal and posted a 19-12 (15-9 KJCCC) record. The floor general dished out 55 assists during the campaign and picked up 21 steals.

"Kobe is a tremendous young man and we are lucky to have him with us in Portales," continued Võ when asked about Smith.
 
The Wichita, Kan. native had an incredible high school career. He played two seasons for Andover Central as a junior and senior. In his first season with the team, he was named the 5A player of the year by Central Kansas Sports and aided the program to a championship appearance in the sub-state west section tournament. Smith continued his impressive tenure averaging 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest on his way to earning first team all-state honors. As a sophomore he played for Wichita Southeast earning 2021 6A honorable mention all-state recognition and aiding the program to a 12-9 record.