Former Dayton Flyer Malachi Smith plays key role in UConn's Elite Eight run

Smith's unselfish play and leadership have been crucial for the Huskies this tournament

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

One year after graduating from the University of Dayton, Malachi Smith will play in the Elite Eight in his final season of college basketball. Smith, who spent four seasons with the Dayton Flyers, has been a key contributor for UConn this tournament, with his unselfish play, passing ability, and defensive toughness helping the Huskies reach the regional final.

Why it matters

Smith's journey from Dayton to UConn highlights the impact a veteran transfer can have on a team's success in the NCAA tournament. His experience and leadership have been invaluable for the Huskies, who have overcome key injuries to reach the Elite Eight.

The details

In the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, Smith had 13 assists, six points and three turnovers, playing 32 minutes in each game. UConn coach Dan Hurley praised Smith's intelligence, toughness, and ability to bring the team together, saying 'Without Malachi, we'd be cooked' and that the Huskies may have lost to Furman without his contributions.

  • Smith suffered an ankle injury as a freshman in the 2022 Atlantic 10 Conference tournament semifinals, when Dayton lost to Richmond.
  • Smith missed the 2023-24 season after suffering a knee injury in the first half of the first game.
  • Smith entered the transfer portal in March 2025 after four seasons at Dayton.

The players

Malachi Smith

A graduate transfer from the University of Dayton, Smith has been a key contributor for UConn this tournament with his unselfish play, passing ability, and defensive toughness.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who praised Smith's intelligence, toughness, and ability to bring the team together, saying 'Without Malachi, we'd be cooked.'

Scoochie Smith

Malachi Smith's brother, who reached the Elite Eight as a freshman with the Dayton Flyers 12 years earlier.

Alex Karaban

A UConn forward who said Smith is 'one of the best passers I have played with' and that the team needs him to reach their goals.

Silas Demery

A UConn player who is 'gutting it out' at 70% due to injury, making Smith's contributions even more crucial.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Malachi just seems to be playing maybe his best ball of the year, and at the right time too because obviously Silas (Demery) may be not be 100%. Can you talk about what he's been giving you? Not scoring, but just about everything else.'”

— Reporter

“'That guy's tough. Probably when his career is over and he's done playing, he's a future coach because he's got such an incredible way about him. He's a smart guy. He's a real unifier with the group.'”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“'Without Malachi, we'd be cooked. We might have lost the Furman game.'”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“'Since he's stepped on campus, he's one of the best passers I have played with. Being so unselfish out there, he brings so much energy and plays with a spark. The way he plays really is a reflection of his personality — all the moves, the flashy passes and how tough he is defensively. We need Malachi if we want to reach our goals, and he's done a great job stopping up so far.'”

— Alex Karaban, UConn Forward

What’s next

UConn will play No. 1 seed Duke in the East Region final for a spot in the Final Four at 5:05 p.m. Sunday.

The takeaway

Malachi Smith's journey from the Dayton Flyers to the UConn Huskies showcases the impact a veteran transfer can have in the NCAA tournament. His unselfish play, passing ability, and defensive toughness have been crucial for the Huskies, who have overcome key injuries to reach the Elite Eight.