High-effort UTEP forward still looking to carve out a bigger role
Through UTEP’s 2025-26 season, C.J. Smith has been a low-minute bench forward, averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game, but his appeal is in the flashes: he’s shooting 75.0% from the field and has shown enough touch to hit threes in limited chances.[1][15] UTEP’s roster bio says he arrived after a productive junior-college season, where he averaged 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds with 15 blocks and 14 steals, which points to a player who can contribute as an active, versatile energy big if his role expands.[3]
