Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Indianapolis, Apr 6, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Nolan Smith, one of the three key players of the Duke Blue Devils who contributed to the team’s success on Monday night, had reportedly left his room without his father’s national Championship ring on his hand which he was seen carrying throughout the tournament. The player had revealed to the media that he had kissed the ring before leaving it at his room and coming out with a determination on the court to win the game for his team. It seemed that his prayers were listened as Nolan Smith’s Duke Blue Devil team won the match in the State in which his father Derek Smith won the Championship game 30 years ago.

Nolan Smith revealed to the media that he had been wearing the ring all through the tournament to draw inspiration from his father’s achievements. Late Derek Smith achieved the ring back in the year 1980 when “Doctors of Dunk” team went on to win the college basketball’s national Championship. Derek Smith’s life had always been an inspiration for Nolan Smith who had determined to follow his father’s footstep in 1996 when the former died of heart attack. The ring has reportedly acted for the Duke Blue Devils’ guard as a constant motivating force to perform well on the court.

Although on Monday night it was not the best of Nolan Smith on court, the player was able to help his team to the win with 13 points. He had also to his credit four crucial assists which helped the Duke Blue Devils lift the trophy for the first time since 2001.