The 6'8 centre has been playing basketball since he was a six-year-old, first starting out in the local domestic competitions before advancing to the Junior Braves.

Over the years he has continued to progress and most recently helped the Country Victoria team make it to the semi-finals in the 2019 Under-18 Junior Championships, where he was coached by Lucas Allen.

During the tournament he averaged 12.9 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 offensive rebounds with a field goal percentage of 58.

"It's always going to be a tough tournament when you go up against the best in the country, with players from different states who play at their peak," Smythe said.

"Every game was a challenge."

Smythe has been described as having perfect positioning, as being a brilliant finisher, versatile defender, with first-class footwork and excellent strength.

Other key achievements are being selected for several Country Victoria teams in addition to playing as a development athlete with the NBL1 Bendigo Braves.

Smythe is well on his way to a goal of playing professionally and is gaining plenty of experience as a development athlete with the Braves.

"If I can continue with the same work ethic I have now, work hard everyday, then my goal is more than achievable," he said.

"Training with the Braves men has been great to learn and play against older bodies which has helped me get used to competing at a professional level."

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