Smith hangs up boots

Former Boomers captain Jason Smith has called it quits on his professional basketball career due to what he says is a lack of motivation.

Smith informed Basketball Australia on Wednesday that he would not be adding to his 413 games in the NBL.

"I'm in reasonable shape and I believe I still have the ability to contribute to a team in the upcoming season, but on an emotional level I have nothing more to give," Smith said.

Smith began his professional basketball career at the South East Melbourne Magic and played three years under Brian Goorjian, who coached Smith in his later years at the Sydney Kings.

The three-time NBL championship winner said that after three years at the Magic he was prepared to finish his career, but Goorjian told Smith to 'stick with it', and together they went to the Victoria Titans in 2000, where Smith stayed for another three years.

Arguably the highpoint of Smith's career at club level was taking out the 2005 MVP in the Grand Final series, but other highlights include representing Australia at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and claiming gold for Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Goorjian spoke glowingly of a player he has brought up from the Magic to three-time NBL champion.

"I could say that a lot of the success I have enjoyed in Australian basketball was the result of having Jason Smith on my team," he said.

"I could say that I have a genuine respect and admiration for him and that without doubt he was on of my all-time favourite players."

Despite feeling anxious about the future outside of basketball, Smith said he would continue to work part-time at Macquarie Bank while he completes his Masters in International Business at the University of Sydney.

"I'm genuinely excited about the challenges that lie ahead," he said.