In a stunning act of generosity and social impact, Arkansas Razorbacks five-star basketball standout Nick Smith Jr. has announced a $6.3 million investment to convert his private estate into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth.
The 21-year-old NBA prospect, known for his skills on the court and now his heart off it, revealed plans this morning to repurpose his multi-acre property into a safe haven that will include housing, education support, mental health services, and job training for vulnerable teens and young adults in the region.
> “This isn’t just about giving back,” said Smith during a press conference at the University of Arkansas. “It’s about stepping up. I’ve seen too many kids fall through the cracks. I want them to have a shot—just like I did.”
The project, titled “Nick’s Next Play Foundation”, is expected to open its doors by early 2026 and will house up to 50 youth at a time, with facilities designed by a team of trauma-informed architects and community leaders.
University of Arkansas officials, local government, and non-profit partners have praised the move as “transformational,” with many calling it a model for athlete-led philanthropy.
Smith, who recently declared for the NBA Draft but remains closely connected to Fayetteville, said the shelter is his way of “keeping Arkansas in his heart no matter where he plays.”
Stay tuned for more details as the s
tory develops.
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