Okolona's Smith Follows Pro Hoops Dreams West

Dreams of making an NBA roster are born in towns like Okolona, Mississippi.

If you played any sport growing up, then you probably remember the dreams of playing in college and maybe even on the professional stage.

That's an accomplishment not many reach in a lifetime.

One local hoops player refuses to give up on that dream.

Wcbi sports' courtney robb, reports.

"because i'm from okolona, i have to find an edge on people.

I'm not extremely athletic, i'm not extremely strong, i'm not extremely fast.

I have to find an edge on everything i do."

Dreams of making an nba roster are born in towns like okolona, mississippi.

A community with less than 3,000 people.

A school and a few stores is all you'll find.

It's where pearl river forward cameron smith first held a basketball in his hands.

However, it's not where he plans for his hoops career to end.

"once i got good, i felt like it was my way out.

I want to provide for my family through the game of basketball.

That was it."

After battling a broken kneecap and multiple surgeries, one infecting down to the bone, smith wasn't always sure he would've the chance to play college ball.

Smith never lost hope.

Twenty-two staples later, he dawned a jersey with that same number and went on to have a strong senior season, finally signing to continue his career with pearl river community college.

"i was always on myself so hard.

I took it upon myself to get up at 4, 5 a.m., and just run.

I used to break down crying by myself, just trying to get back into it.

I knew what type of player i could be."

Two years later, smith now finds himself on a division i roster after committing to play for california state university: bakersfield.

The next step on the road to making it to the pros.

"i know i can do it.

It's just a matter of time and who sees me and where at.

I feel like the location of la is the back door scouts.

If i go up there and handle my business like i should, i should be pretty good."

A glance at the ice on his hand hints at #22's resume.

The next one, the future roadrunner, looks to add: an ncaa championship ring.

"march madness is self-explanatory.

You play your best ball in march.

If i'm playing my best ball in march, i will have a scout."

When smith hits the hardwood as a roadrunner, he says he expects to take the best player out of the game.

Reporting in okolona, courtney robb wcbi sports.