It is with great sadness that the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum and Basketball Manitoba relay the news of the passing of Dave Smith in September 2024.
For many years, Dave toiled as an underrated player, yet anyone who ever played with or against him immediately recognized his skill and talent. At home at either of the forward or centre position, his turnaround jump shot plus his consistent rebounding made him a valued member of any team.
Dave’s basketball career began at Gordon Bell High School, and in the 1951-52 season, he led the Panthers to a City Championship. The following year, he played with the Winnipeg Stellars in the Winnipeg Senior Men’s League, and he then began a five-year stint with the University of Manitoba Bisons. During that time, Dave was a Western Conference All-Star twice and the recipient of the Pat Gorman Trophy as the team’s Most Valuable Player. In addition, he led the Bisons to three consecutive WCIAU titles from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
Upon graduating, Dave played senior ball for ten years, was a league All-Star 3 times, and several times played on teams in the National Championships. In the 1980s, Dave was a member of the Investors Basketball Team and played a key role in their winning two Provincial Masters Championships.
He was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1991 and as a member of the Bison Men’s championship teams in 2011
Our most sincere sympathies are extended to his family and friends. Dave was one of those good guys who will be missed by all who knew him.
Source: https://www.mbhof.com/2025/08/in-memory-of-dave-smith.html