Long before both his legs were blown off above the knee while he was serving his country in Afghanistan, and he later became the father of 3-year-old Lyla and 1-year-old Barrett, and later than that somehow found the energy and compassion to coach kids arguably less fortunate than him in YMCA’s Miracle League, Jason Smith loved to watch the Harlem Globetrotters any time they visited the Scenic City during his youth.
“It was magical for me,” said Smith, recalling the exploits of former Globetrotter Michael “Wild Thing” Wilson, who once dunked on a 12-foot goal, and others. “Just crazy stuff.”
Come 7 tonight inside McKenzie Arena, “Sweet Georgia Brown” no doubt blaring from the loudspeakers, Smith will help generate that crazy magic rather than watch it. The Globetrotters will have the U.S. Army veteran toss up the red-white-and-blue basketball for the opening tip when the sport’s winningest team faces the World All-Stars.
(Side note: Yes, sadly, the Washington Generals were jettisoned as the Globetrotters’ nightly doormat a couple of years ago after more than 16,000 losses.)
Jason Smith holds his 5-month old daughter Lyla Jean with his wife, Lauren, before a motorcycle parade of veterans and supporters Friday, April 24, 2015, at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, Tenn. Smith lost both of his legs in an IED explosion while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2012.But Smith, who grew up in Ringgold and is now taking classes at Chattanooga State to become a physical therapist, is keeping his focus on the Globetrotters.