UConn lands transfer G Malachi Smith from Dayton

Field Level Media|published: 04/14/2025, 5:48pm EDT

Dec 20, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Dayton Flyers guard Malachi Smith (11) shoots against Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jizzle James (2) in the first half at Heritage Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Dayton guard Malachi Smith is transferring to UConn, the Huskies confirmed Monday.

Smith spent the past four seasons at Dayton and averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals for the Flyers across 86 games (77 starts).

A New York native, Smith had his 2023-24 campaign cut short when he suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee seven minutes into the season opener. He returned in 2024-25 and set a career high of 10.4 points per game along with 5.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds.

According to UConn, Smith has one year of eligibility remaining.

"We're excited to add a guard like Malachi into the mix here in Storrs," UConn coach Dan Hurley said in a statement. "He is a dynamic playmaker, a strong outside shooter and a veteran presence that has played in -- and won -- a lot of games. We have no doubt that he can be the next great New York City Husky and help our program reach our championship goals."

Smith is the second transfer to commit to UConn this offseason, following former Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr.

--Field Level Media