Tolu Smith has quickly become a name to watch in the NBA. Known for his relentless work ethic, strong presence in the paint, and inspiring journey from college standout to professional athlete, Smith’s story is one of perseverance and determination.
Fans have followed his rise from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to the Detroit Pistons, where he’s begun to carve out a promising career. Smith’s profile is on the rise, both on and off the court, as he continues to prove himself in the NBA and G League.
Tolu Smith’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Galen Edward Mitchell Smith III |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Mississippi State University |
| Nationality | American (African-American/Samoan descent) |
| Height | 6’11” (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 245 lbs (111 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $315,280 (2024–25), $636,434 (2025–26 est.) |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Tolu Smith’s basketball journey began in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where he was raised in a family deeply rooted in the sport. His father, Galen, played college basketball, and his mother, Shannel, also played at the collegiate level. Growing up in this supportive environment, Smith developed a passion for basketball early on.
He attended Kahuku High School in Hawaii before transferring to Bay High School in Mississippi, where he continued to hone his skills and build his reputation as a promising big man.
After high school, Smith committed to Western Kentucky University for his freshman year. During the 2018–19 season, he played in all 34 games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per game. While his numbers were modest, his efficiency and hustle caught the attention of coaches and scouts. Smith’s time at Western Kentucky provided valuable experience, but he sought a bigger role and a chance to play closer to home.
Following his freshman year, Smith transferred to Mississippi State University. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he sat out the 2019–20 season, using the time to develop his game and adjust to the higher level of competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). When he finally took the court for Mississippi State, Smith made an immediate impact. As a sophomore, he played in 30 games, showing flashes of his potential as a dominant post player.
Smith’s junior year was marred by injuries, which limited his starts and minutes. Despite these setbacks, he continued to work hard and contribute whenever he was on the floor. It wasn’t until his senior season in 2022–23 that Smith truly broke out. He started all 34 games, averaging 15.7 points and leading the SEC with a 57.2% field goal percentage. His performances earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and established him as one of the top big men in college basketball.
Professional Career
Despite his impressive college resume, Tolu Smith went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, his journey was far from over. Smith joined the Detroit Pistons for the 2024 NBA Summer League, where he showcased his skills and work ethic. The Pistons saw potential in Smith and signed him to a training camp contract in September 2024. Unfortunately, he was waived before the start of the regular season, a setback that many young players face.
Smith joined the Motor City Cruise, the Pistons’ G League affiliate, later in October. It was in the G League that Smith truly began to make his mark as a professional. In his rookie campaign, Smith averaged 17.9 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game over 28 games.
He quickly became known for his double-double performances, setting a franchise record by securing 10 double-doubles in his first 14 appearances. Smith’s rebounding and efficiency ranked among the best in the league, and he was selected to participate in the 2025 NBA G League Next Up Game during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Smith’s perseverance paid off in January 2025 when he signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. This deal allowed him to split time between the NBA and G League, giving him valuable experience at the highest level.
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On April 13, 2025, Smith made his NBA debut against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in 22 minutes. This performance made him the second Hawaii high school graduate to appear in an NBA game since Red Rocha in 1957.
Tolu Smith’s Net Worth Details
Tolu Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Tolu Smith signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons for the 2024–25 NBA season. This contract allows him to split his time between the Pistons in the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. Under the terms of a two-way deal, Smith can spend up to 50 games with the NBA team while continuing to develop his skills in the G League.
His contract is structured to provide him with a base NBA salary when he is with the Pistons and a G League salary when playing for the Cruise. This arrangement not only gives Smith valuable NBA experience but also offers the team roster flexibility as he continues to prove himself at the professional level.
Salary
For the 2024–25 season, Tolu Smith’s salary is set at $315,280 under his two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. This amount reflects the unique structure of two-way deals, where a player earns a prorated NBA salary for the days spent with the main roster and a G League salary for time spent with the affiliate team.
If Smith remains on a similar contract for the 2025–26 season, his projected earnings would increase to approximately $636,434. While these figures are lower than standard NBA contracts, they provide Smith with a solid financial foundation as he works toward securing a full-time spot on the NBA roster.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Detroit Pistons | $315,280 |
| 2025–26 | Detroit Pistons | $636,434 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Detroit Pistons | 1 | 0 | 22.4 | .667 | .000 | .667 | 8.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 14.0 |
FAQs
1. What is Tolu Smith’s nationality and current position in basketball?
Smith is an American basketball player who plays as a power forward and center, standing 6’11” and competing for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.
2. Where did Smith play college basketball and what were her achievements?
He played for Western Kentucky and Mississippi State, earning All-SEC honors, recording multiple double-doubles, and surpassing 1,000 career points for Mississippi State.
3. What is Smith’s professional status and NBA draft history?
He went undrafted in 2024 but signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, also playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League to gain further experience.
4. What are Smith’s notable rookie season performances in the NBA and G League?
Smith delivered double-digit points and rebounds in Summer League games, including a 15-point, 12-rebound effort, and posted strong stats in his G League campaign with averages near 18 points and 14 rebounds.
5. What is Smith’s basketball background prior to entering the NBA?
He starred for Kahuku High School and then transitioned to college basketball, quickly establishing himself as an interior force with rebounding and shot-blocking prowess.
6. What are Smith’s strengths and main skills on the basketball court?
Smith excels in post scoring, rebounding, rim protection, and drawing fouls, making her an impact player in the paint and a reliable interior defender.
7. How do coaches and analysts view Smith’s potential in professional basketball?
Coaches praise her work ethic and persistence; analysts mention Smith’s ceiling as a backup or starting big man able to contribute immediately with hustle and physicality.
8. What challenges has Smith faced throughout her career?
He overcame several injuries during college and adapted quickly to fast-paced NBA action, consistently bouncing back to produce for her teams.
9. What is Smith’s role with the Detroit Pistons in the current season?
Smith provides depth in the frontcourt, often coming off the bench and adding energy, scoring, and rebounding in limited bouts, while developing further in the G League.
10. What are Smith’s goals and aspirations moving forward in her NBA career?
Smith hopes to secure a long-term roster spot, establish herself as a consistent contributor in the NBA, and help Detroit build towards greater league success.
