His decision comes as he focuses on a teaching career at Ballarat Specialist School.

“I’m just transitioning to the next phase of my life,” Smith said. 

“Teaching is a big commitment and it is difficult to balance with playing at a professional level in SEABL.

“I’m looking at travelling and doing all the things I haven’t really been able to do.”

Smith started his career with a two-year college basketball scholarship in Hawaii, before returning to Australia and making his SEABL debut for Mount Gambier.

At each stage of his basketball journey, he has found himself working with kids with special needs.

“My basketball experience led me in a direction that my career has now taken me,” he said.

While Smith will leave the court with more than 100 games for the Miners and 150 games in SEABL to his name, he hopes his biggest achievement is still to come with the Miners starting their playoffs campaign next week. 

Smith said he would miss the team environment most.

“Singing the team song after a home win and just being around a group of really good guys that compete together and have a good time together off the court.”