It isn’t very often that a reporter gets the chance to see the true person that resides deep inside of athletes they cover. Sometimes athletes let their ego trump their true personality in order to come off to be someone they truly aren’t deep down.

When a reporter interacts with athletes on a regular basis, they begin to pick up on the real personality in each individual. For some athletes they will forever maintain their game-face. For others, like Dwight Smith, they never let the spotlight impact who they are, and how they answer a question.

I’ve done my fair share of sports coverage between the NBA and NCAA. There is a unique aspect about Dwight Smith that separates him from the “typical jock”. Through thick and thin, he has maintained the same personality and humbleness day-by-day.

Dwight, at one point a short-while back, had mentioned that the possibility of a transfer was on the horizon. If, and when, he decided to transfer, he agreed to explain to Ram fans why he would decide to leave.

When the day finally came, Tuesday, to make his announcement, it was with his typical mentality of quick-whit and humbleness, that Dwight (or as some call him, “ghost”) and I sat down and discussed his decision to leave Fort Collins.

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Q&A: Dwight Smith

Q: What was the biggest factor that played into your decision to transfer?

A: Honestly, it was just the right time to make a decision for me. All [of] my life I have been a person to help and be there for others. But, for once in my life I can say I have made a decision for myself and my future. I love this place. I love both coaches (Tim Miles and Larry Eustachy) that gave me this opportunity, and the people. But, it is time I set aside one year of my life just for me.

Q: What triggered the thought of transferring? When did it happen? Where?

A: It is hard to pinpoint. It has been an ongoing thought process from the day we lost in that [2014 Mountain West] Conference tournament game. I showed my worth. I’ve been out here and touched many people’s lives, and have done everything for others. This is just an opportunity to get a year of happiness, and my talent shown.

Q: And what about CSU would prevent you from being happy? What about the idea of staying here was tugging at you most?

A: The biggest part about staying for me was one, being here so long, being distracted from my goals. As much as it is good being known, sometimes when you need to be clear of things and focus, it is hard to do. Second, opportunity-wise, I would have a big role on the team next year. But, I need the biggest role for me to personally show I can handle it and to continue to strive to play at a professional level after [college].

Q: So, would you say you would have attended CSU if your brother [Greg Smith] wasn’t here at the time?

A: Honestly, I don’t know if I would have. I want to give most of that credit to Niko Medved, who really was the first person at the Division I level to see my talent. At the time, I was leaning towards Northern Iowa.

Q: Looking back, do you wish you would have taken that path, rather than to Fort Collins?

A: No. Never. This place is a place I have learned to live life at. The hardships and successes I have had at this place, I would never wish I went anywhere but.

Q: Many people might suggest it was coaching that made you decide to leave. How much did Tim’s departure from CSU impact your decision? Did that impact your role on the team?

A: Miles leaving did a lot on just loyalty. It put me in a place to question who was really here for me, or not. And, to realize it is a business, no matter what. As far as my role, it took a lot of being confident and questioning my ability and worth, until I got to the point that no matter who I’m up against, I have the talent to hang against anyone.

Q: Now, enough about the seriousness. On the light side of the topic, what will you miss most about Fort Collins?

A: I’m going to miss Jim’s Wings.

But, seriously, I’m going to miss my teammates. People like Joe [De Ciman], Stanton [Kidd], Jon [Octues], and JJ [Avila]. Even older legends like Pierce [Hornung] is why I am here in the first place. It is a place I would want to raise my family. Plus, Coach [Eustachy] is going to have this place rocking next year, and I would hate to not be a part of this place when it is special.

Q: Lastly, when people say “Dwight Smith from CSU”, what do you hope pops into their minds?

A: Besides my amazing hair? I just want them to realize all I have done on and off of the court. If you sit people down, there are so many people’s lives I have touched past basketball. And, in the community, that I am honored to let people realize who I am as a person. I will never forget this place. I’m still a ghost.