Jaleen Smith

Jaleen Devon Smith (born November 24, 1994) is an American-born naturalized Croatian professional basketball player for Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Premier League and the EuroCup. He played college basketball for the New Hampshire Wildcats.

High school and college career Smith attended Brazosport High School in his hometown of Freeport, Texas, where he played basketball. He went on to play four seasons of college basketball at the University of New Hampshire. As a senior, he averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Smith was a two-time second-team All-America East Conference selection in his sophomore and senior seasons. He finished his college career as Wildcats all-time leader in games played (122). He also ranks fifth in points scored (1,397) and assists made (364). Smith became the first player in Wildcats history to record more than 1,000 points, 260 assists, and 600 rebounds.

Professional career After graduating in 2017, Smith started his professional career by signing with German second division club USC Heidelberg on July 2, 2017. On July 21, 2019, Smith moved to Riesen Ludwigsburg of the top-tier Basketball Bundesliga, signing a one-year deal.

For the 2020–21 Basketball Bundesliga season, Smith was elected as Most Valuable Player. He received the award at the same time as his coach John Patrick became Coach of the year. Smith averaged 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

Virtus Bologna (2023) On July 20, 2023, Smith signed a two-year contract with Virtus Bologna of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. On 24 September 2023, after having ousted Olimpia Milano in the semifinals, Virtus won its fourth Supercup, and the third in a row, defeating 97–60 Germani Brescia. On mutual agreement, Smith parted ways with Virtus Bologna mid-season, to join another club. In 13 EuroLeague games with Bologna, he averaged 5.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.

Partizan (2023–2024) On December 24, 2023, Smith signed a one-year contract with Partizan of the Basketball League of Serbia (KLS), the Adriatic League and the EuroLeague. The season was deemed to be unsuccessful for Partizan as they finished the season without lifting any trophy.

Bahçeşehir Koleji (2024–2025) On July 13, 2024, he signed with Bahçeşehir Koleji of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).

Türk Telekom (2025–2026) On July 3, 2025, he signed with Türk Telekom of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).

Hapoel Jerusalem (2026–present) On June 17, 2026, Smith signed with Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Premier League.

National team career In July 2022, the Croatian Basketball Federation expressed their interest to naturalize Smith, so he could represent the Croatia national team at the EuroBasket 2022. In August 2022, Smith debuted for Croatia in a friendly against Bulgaria. His first official game was a EuroBasket 2025 pre-qualifier against Poland. Smith is the third naturalized American to play for Croatia, after Dontaye Draper and Oliver Lafayette.

Career statistics

EuroLeague

Domestic leagues Year Team League

College