Athlete of the Week: Caleb Smith, Dr. Phillips boys basketball

Dr. Phillips boys basketball player Caleb Smith started on the hardwood his freshman year averaging 10 points per game and earned himself a college offer from Springhill College. Smith, now a sophomore, continues to excel on the court. Standing at 6-foot-6, the guard averages 12 points per game, five rebounds and two blocks in 26.9 minutes of playing time. 

Smith, one of the leading scorers on the roster, tallied 18 points in the team’s defeat over Olympia, which sent the Panthers to the district championship. Despite losing the championship, the team posted a strong regular-season record and made it to the state playoffs for the first time since 2022. 

What do you enjoy most about basketball? 

Really being able to grow and get better physically and mentally playing the game I’ve loved since a young age.

When did you start basketball, and why did you join? 

I started playing when I was 5 years old at the YMCA. I was trying out different sports to see what I liked best.

What is your biggest accomplishment in basketball?

Receiving an offer and interests from colleges as a freshman.

What has basketball taught you? 

How to fall and stand back up, and to control what you can control.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

A selfless and hardworking teammate who leads by example.

What advice would you give someone who just joined basketball? 

Have as much fun as you can. Worry less about wins and losses, and more about self-improvement.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

Go out here tonight guys and make sure we give maximum effort. Let’s play free, tough and for (one another).

What is your pre-game ritual?

Eating a solid meal, staying hydrated, mentally envisioning myself playing great and stretching. 

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why? 

I would definitely choose baseball, because I was pretty good. I played on a travel ball team and made my Little League All-Star team.

Who do you look up to the most? 

My parents, for sure, because they have always believed in me — sometimes even more than I have. They are constantly pushing me past my comfort zone and giving me the tools I need to be great.

What is something new you’d like to learn?

How to trade stocks and learn Portuguese.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

Brazil. My mom is from there, and I would love to see her childhood home and town.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I would invest some, make my own restaurant and buy a house.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas, because of the good food, cold weather and time we get to spend with family.

What future career do you want to have? 

When I retire from basketball, I would like to be a business owner and a sports agent.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

Playing basketball or making TikToks.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

I would choose a falcon.

What is your perfect day? 

A day at the theme park having fun with my family. 

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why?

Vegetables, because there are more options, and fruits are overrated.