Russ Smith’s long-shot dream became a reality Thursday night.
The Brooklyn product, former Archbishop Molloy star and Louisville national champion, whose journey to this point was chronicled by The Post in a three-part series, was taken in the second round (47th overall) by the 76ers. Philadelphia then dealt the 6-foot-1 guard to the Pelicans for guard Pierre Jackson.
The most successful player over a four-year period in Louisville history (121-31), Smith has gone from a prospect without any major Division I scholarship offers out of high school to the NBA. Smith averaged 18.2 points last season, hitting 46.8 percent of his shots from the field as Louisville reached the Sweet 16.
Smith joins a crowded backcourt in New Orleans, which includes Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans and Austin Rivers.
“[He’s] a two-guard who can shoot it, he’s good in transition, gets to the rim,” ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. “He doesn’t see the defense, he sees the openings. Great kid and a guy who actually has a chance.”
St. Anthony of Jersey City graduate Kyle Anderson of UCLA was the final pick of the first round, 30th overall, to the Spurs. The 6-foot-8 forward with point guard skills, considered the best passer in the draft, should fit in perfectly with unselfish San Antonio.
Former St. John’s forward JaKarr Sampson went undrafted, but quickly agreed to terms with the 76ers to join their NBA Summer League team late Thursday night, his agent Seth Cohen said. Sampson declared for the draft after an up-and-down sophomore year.