J.R. Smith says he was inspired by Ray Allen during a golf trip in the Dominican Republic to challenge himself and go back to school.

He will be majoring in Liberal Arts while he pursues his passion for golf at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Smith will be on the golf team at the HBCU.

He said he started playing golf 12 years ago, and the legendary Moses Malone taught him how to play.

Smith lights up when he talks about golf.

Golf is one of those games that can have you feeling really high or it can bring you down to your knees and humble you.

To have that feeling and knowing that all of the game is pretty much on my own hands and I don’t have to worry about teammates to pass the ball to, receiving passes and playing defense… I can just play my game and have fun.

Watch the video below:

https://youtu.be/5OJtMVAqJp4

Ray Allen took to Instagram with words of encouragement for his friend.

I’m so proud of this dude! @teamswish has enrolled at North Carolina A&T to get his degree and he’s joining the golf team while he’s at it. Y’all hit up my guy and show him some love. JR, thank you for setting the example for others to follow. #leaderslead #educationmatters #ncatgolf

See his original post below.

J.R. Smith came straight to the NBA out of high school, and he won two championships during his NBA Career.

This new chapter of his life at N.C. A&T should be an enjoyable experience.