Yesterday in the Edgewood Middle School gym, Keith Smart put the ball in play again.

Smart, best known for his shot that lifted Indiana University over Syracuse in the 1987 NCAA Championship game, spoke to students at the Warsaw middle school about staying in school and life's decisions.

"The kids need to get back to respecting people who help them," said Smart. "The teachers, administrators and coaches push these kids because they want them to have opportunities. The choices you have to make will effect you later on."

Smart, whose identity was kept a secret until his introduction, was arranged to be in Warsaw by Kosciusko REMC Director of Member Releations, Larry Easterday. Easterday met Smart through his daughter, Megan, who died of cancer and would be a senior this year. The younger Easterday was also friends with former IU standout Damon Bailey.

Easterday, who has been working with Edgewood through the Junior Achievment program, was asked what he got out of yesterday's message. His answer was short and sweet.

"Stay in school and set high goals for yourselves," said Easterday.

Toward the middle of his presentation, Smart asked the students to raise their hands if they knew somebody who was currently involved in drugs. Hands went up everywhere. Smart used this information and spoke of his brother who, as the former IU standout said, "is serving a 5- to 99-year prison term for hanging with the wrong crowd."

The 6-1 Smart, who makes 50-60 presentations per year, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round (41st overall) of the 1988 NBA draft, spent nine years playing basketball in the NBA, CBA and overseas and is now the coach of the Fort Wayne Fury. [[In-content Ad]]