A forward who has worked his way through Kansai basketball is coming to Osaka. On Friday, October 30, 2026, the Osaka Evessa announced that they have signed Worth Smith for the 2026-27 season. Smith was removed from the free-negotiation player list at 15:00 the same day.
A 198cm power forward wearing No. 21
Smith plays power forward (PF). He is 198cm tall and weighs 100kg, was born on April 19, 1993, and is from the United States. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His squad number will be 21.
A career that has passed through several Kansai clubs
His record shows plenty of experience with clubs in Japan. He started with the Gifu Swoops in 2020-21, then played for the Kyoto Hannaryz and Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in 2021, Altiri Chiba in 2021-22, the Shiga Lakestars (now Shiga Lakes) in 2022, the Fukushima Firebonds in 2022-23, Bambitious Nara in 2023-24, and the Hiroshima Dragonflies and Niigata Albirex BB in 2024-25.
Kyoto, Shiga and Nara — the Kansai clubs on the list stand out. Basketball fans in the region may well have seen him play for one of them.
“If you see me around town, say hello”
In a comment released through the club, Smith said: “Hello, Osaka fans! I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play basketball in Osaka. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the games. If you see me around town, please don’t hesitate to say hello.”
General Manager 今野翔太 thanked the fans who keep supporting the team through a tough situation with a series of injuries, and described the signing as reinforcement. Of Smith, he said he wants him to show his very positive energy on the court to the full.
Player information
- Name: Worth Smith
- Squad number: 21
- Position: PF
- Date of birth: April 19, 1993
- Birthplace: United States
- Height / weight: 198cm / 100kg
- School: U.S. Naval Academy
- Contract: 2026-27 season (signed Friday, October 30, 2026)
