Jordan Adams Smith
Jordan Adams Smith (Basketball 2000-03)
It’s hard to become a living legend, but when it comes to University of New Mexico women’s basketball, Jordan Adams Smith is just that. Ask any fan of Lobo Women’s Basketball and they will tell you, “Jordan Adams was one of the best Lobos to ever play at The Pit.”
An Overton, Nevada native, Jordan came to UNM in the Fall of 1999 and made an immediate impression. In fact, she made a big enough impact that she was named the Mountain West Conference Newcomer of the Year. That was no surprise considering she led the team in scoring, was second on the team in rebounding, and led the conference in blocks. From there on, it was no secret that Jordan was something special and quickly became a fan favorite.
Each year Jordan made it a point to improve her play. In doing so, she was able to participate in several exclusive opportunities. In 2001, Jordan was named second team All-Conference, made the WNIT All-Tournament team, ranked 5th nationally in blocked shots, and was asked to participate in the USA Basketball National Team Trials. In 2002, Jordan was again named to the second team All-Conference list, hit the 1,000 career point mark, and helped lead the Lobos to their fifth post season appearance and their second in the NCAA Tournament.
It’s safe to say that 2003 was one of the most successful years ever in UNM Women’s Basketball history. There is no doubt that Jordan had a lot to do with that. It was in this season that Jordan started every game, led the team in scoring, surpassed Luc Longley of the UNM men’s team to become the UNM all-time shot blocker, was a first team All-Conference selection, was named the Mountain West Conference Tournament MVP, and was named to the NCAA Midwest All-Regional team. Jordan helped lead the Lobos to the Mountain West Conference Tournament title, their first ever Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and to a national ranking of 23rd in the final USA Today/ESPN Top 25 poll.
Jordan left UNM as the fifth player all time in games played, the career blocks leader, the career field goals made leader, third all time in career scoring, and sixth all time in career rebounding. Currently, she is still in the top 25 all time on the NCAA blocks list. She became the first Lobo to ever be drafted to the WNBA in the 2nd round of the 2003 draft. Jordan went to the Minnesota Lynx where she played in ten games. Following her time with the Lynx, she continued to play professionally overseas in the likes of France, Greece, and Korea. Jordan returned to the States and began playing in the National Women’s Basketball League for the Birmingham Power, where she was the number five pick overall in the draft and became an Eastern Conference All-Star team member. Her accolades as player do not stop there, as Jordan was a member of the Canadian National Team from 2006-11. In the 2010 World Championships, she helped the team to a 12th place finish.
Jordan’s love of the game now plays out as a coach. In 2008, Jordan retuned to UNM as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations. For many fans it was a treat to have her back at The Pit. Just as in her playing days, it was obvious to the Lobo faithful that Jordan was hardworking, grateful, caring and always striving to do her best. Jordan is now an assistant coach at Pepperdine University.
Jordan will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Lobos of all time. Teammate Cristal Garcia said, “Playing with a teammate like Jordan Adams was an amazing opportunity. With Jordan you always knew she was ready to battle in every game and I was blessed to have the opportunity to play with her.”