CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A Camden High School basketball legend had his number retired and a city street named after him Friday night.
The leader of a state championship team in 1960, a 1,200-point scorer, and by all accounts an all-around wonderful man, Ron "Itchy" Smith made a lasting impact on his former high school and his city.
"Basketball has a rich history in the city of Camden. Itchy Smith was the man who got that tradition started," said Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen.
He told NBC10 Smith's number 44 is the first number retired in school history. The city named a street after him as well.
"And that means a lot to us, for him to smell the roses that he deserves," he said.
Related
Smith's oldest son Andre said his father is so humble and has done so much to help the community, and that the recognition means a lot to their whole family.
"Hey, man, that's special. That's really special," said Andre Smith. "That tells you something about him, you know, what kind of guy he was, what kind of guy he is today."
Carstarphen said "Itchy" Smith is an inspiration, a role model, and proof that hard work and big dreams do pay off.