Former Butler center Andrew Smith, a key player in the Bulldogs’ back-to-back title game appearances, passed away at age 25 on Tuesday after battling cancer for most of the last two years.
Smith was playing professionally in Lithuania when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in February 2014. After it was believed Smith was clear of the disease, he had a relapse this spring and had a bone marrow transplant on Nov. 6.
Smith’s disease became leukemia and he went back into the hospital. His wife Samantha announced his passing today.
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Andrew peacefully passed away in his sleep and in my arms as I told him I loved him this morning. Love you always, Smith.
— Samantha Smith (@Samantha44Smith) January 12, 2016
A four-year player at Butler from 2009-2013, the 6-foot-11 Smith was a freshman reserve when the Bulldogs lost to Duke in the title game in Indianapolis in 2009. In 2010, Smith was elevated to a starting spot as the Bulldogs lost to UConn in the title game. Over the course of his career, Smith played in 134 games and averaged 8.6 points and 4.5 rebounds, becoming a double-figure scorer his last two years of college.
Butler President James Danko and Butler Vice President/Director of Athletics Barry Collier released a statement on Smith:
Rest in Peace, Andrew. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.
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We love you, Moose. pic.twitter.com/lohz65TVhS
— Butler University (@butleru) January 12, 2016
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