FREEW4Y

Gregory Smith was born and raised in Vallejo, California. His dream was to become a professional basketball player. Gregory was actively involved in sports at a young age. When he was in high school, he realized the dream can become a reality.

Gregory began competing with top athletes in the country where he grew as a player on and off the court and learned to focus on his strengths. In 2006, Gregory moved to Fresno and attended Edison High School. After completing a successful freshman season, Gregory became Conference Freshman of the Year and was nominated to the All-American Freshman Team. Later on, he played for Fresno State. Even though he had many opportunities to play for the top 10 Universities, he wanted to play in front of friends and family.

After completing two years of college, Gregory set his sights on turning that dream he had as a kid of becoming a professional basketball player into a reality. After going undrafted in the NBA Draft, Gregory didn’t let that steer him away. He continued to fight and work hard to become an NBA player. In 2011, the NBA lockout season occurred which prompted Gregory to play basketball – his rookie season – in Mexico, for the MexiCali Soles. When the lockout ended, he set forth to pursue his dream of making the NBA roster. In 2012, Gregory signed to the D League Rio Grande Valley Vipers team, where he earned All NBA D League First Team, which led him to his first NBA contract with the Houston Rockets.

Within a five-year-span, Gregory had the opportunity to play for three NBA franchise teams: Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. After a couple of setbacks from injuries, he set his sights back on playing professionally overseas, with stops to many different countries: Turkey, Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico and Puerto Rico. An experience with another set of injuries while overseas opened his eyes to share his story and help the youth and others that no matter what you go through, you should keep fighting and never give up, and always believe in yourself that you can be the best you can be no matter the circumstances. BUT his story isn’t over! Gregory created the brand FREEWAY, which is a brand for all. FREEWAY is a way of life – take control of your life and be the best YOU.