The 7-foot, 291-pound All-American center, who graduated in May, led Division II in field-goal percentage the past three seasons. More importantly, Siler helped lead Augusta State to consecutive Final Four appearances the past two years.
“I know he left a legacy,” Smith said. “Those are some big shoes to fill.”
The Jaguars’ new center got off to a hot start, posting a game-high 18 points in No. 10 Augusta State’s 84-53 exhibition win over Aiken Tech in front of 1,104 fans Wednesday night at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Smith, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound senior transfer from William & Mary, was 6 for 6 from the field and went 6 for 7 from the foul line. He added six boards and three assists in 20 minutes.
