By SAM LANCE
Former Dayton guard Malachi Smith is transferring to UConn, he announced via Instagram.
Smith — the 6-foot, 175-pound guard from Bronx (NY) — averaged 10.4 points, 5.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game last season for the Flyers. He started all but two games and shot 42.4% from the field and 31-of-81 (38.3%) from beyond the arc.
“We’re excited to add a guard like Malachi into the mix here in Storrs,” head coach Dan Hurley said. “He is a dynamic playmaker, a strong outside shooter and a veteran presence that has played in – and won – a lot of games. We have no doubt that he can be the next great New York City Husky and help our program reach our championship goals.”
The point guard has been at Dayton the past four seasons, but Smith only played in one game in 2023-24. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 assists his first year in college and had the best season of his career in 2024-25. Smith helped Dayton defeat UConn, 85-67, last season in the Maui Invitational. Now, he’s joining the Huskies.
Smith pairs with former Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr. out of the transfer portal. He’ll likely be in a reserve role, similar to Hassan Diarra during UConn’s last national championship run. Demary Jr. and returnee Solo Ball will likely be taking the starting guard spots.
UConn also has a four man 2025 recruiting class coming in next season, featuring guards Braylon Mullins, Darius Adams and Jacob Furphy and big man Eric Reibe.
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