Temple University Athletics
Temple Signs College of Charleston Transfer Guard AJ Smith to 2025-26 Roster
6.11.25 | Men's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA – Temple University men's basketball head coach Adam Fisher announced the signing of College of Charleston transfer guard AJ Smith for the 2025-26 season.
Smith, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at The Citadel before transferring to the College of Charleston last season, will have one season of eligibility remaining.
"We are excited to welcome AJ Smith to the Temple Men's Basketball Family," said Fisher. "AJ will bring great versatility to us on both sides of the ball. His ability to put it on the floor in the half court and finish in transition will be a major addition to our roster. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions, which is something we truly valued in the recruiting process."
Smith made 20 starts and appeared in 30 games for the Cougars last season, averaging 11.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. He scored in double figures 17 times, including four 20-point performances.
After coming off the bench as a true freshman at The Citadel, Smith made 29 starts as a sophomore. He averaged 16.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 45.3 percent from the field. He reached double figures in all but one game and recorded five 20-point outings, including a career-high 31 points against North Carolina A&T. He ranked fifth in the Southern Conference in scoring, field-goal percentage and free-throw percentage during the 2023-24 season.
He enters his senior campaign with 992 career points.
"I chose Temple because it is the right fit," said Smith. "The program, the culture, and the chance to grow and make an impact all stand out to me. My entire family is from Philly — it's home."
Smith's family has strong ties to Temple. His mother and grandfather are Temple alumni, and his uncle is currently a professor at the university.
Smith became Hickory Grove's all-time leading scorer with 2,500 points across three seasons, averaging 25 points as a sophomore and 28 points as a junior. After reclassifying to the Class of 2022, he played two seasons at Combine Academy. He is a two-time all-state selection.
Smith is the 10th newcomer to sign with Temple this offseason. He joins transfers Jamai Felt (Boston, Mass./Bowling Green), Derrian Ford (Magnolia, Ark./Arkansas State), Masiah Gilyard (Brooklyn, N.Y./Manhattan), Gavin Griffiths (Simsbury, Conn./Nebraska), CJ Hines (Atlanta, Ga./Alabama State), Spencer Mahoney (Brooklyn, N.Y./California) and Jordan Mason (San Antonio, Texas/UIC), along with incoming freshmen Ayuba Bryant (Antwerp, Belgium) and Cam Wallace (Philadelphia, Pa./Westtown).
