By Grant Miller

If you entered Maury High School’s gym during the pep rally, you might have noticed the loud students, teachers wearing blue and orange, and the DJ hyping up the crowd.

However, a 6-foot-10 inch man once known as The Beast sat front and center.

Former NBA player, University of Maryland star, and Maury grad Joe Smith attended Maury’s Homecoming pep rally and plans on attending the Homecoming football game.

Smith graduated from Maury High School in 1993 and moved on to win the Naismith, AP, and UPI Player of the Year Awards as a Maryland Terrapin. Then the Golden State Warriors picked him first overall in the 1995 NBA draft, starting his 16-year NBA career.

The following is a brief interview with Smith, sharing his thoughts on Maury High School and giving advice to upcoming students and athletes.