Belleville West Stars Reunite as NBA Teammates
Metro East basketball fans have an exciting reason to watch the NBA this season as former Belleville West High School champions EJ Liddell and Malachi Smith reunite. After leading the Maroons to historic back-to-back Illinois state titles, both local legends have found their way to the Atlanta Hawks organization. This unexpected reunion brings a legendary piece of Saint Louis area sports history to the professional stage.
The Belleville West Legacy
To understand why this reunion matters, local sports fans remember the iconic 2017-18 and 2018-19 high school seasons. Under coach Joe Muniz, Belleville West dominated Illinois basketball. EJ Liddell was the powerhouse in the paint, winning consecutive Illinois Mr. Basketball awards. Malachi Smith provided the elite guard play and perimeter defense that made the Maroons unstoppable. Together, they brought the Metro East community together, proving that local public schools could dominate highly funded private academies. Their chemistry was built on years of shared practices and championship runs, forming a bond that lasted long after high school.
Different Paths to Atlanta
After graduating, both players took very different routes to the professional ranks. Liddell starred at Ohio State, earning All-Big Ten honors before being drafted 41st overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022. Despite a major rookie-season knee injury, his resilience kept him moving forward. Smith took a winding collegiate path, playing at Wright State, winning Southern Conference Player of the Year at Chattanooga, and finishing at Gonzaga. After going undrafted, Smith fought his way through the G League. Both players showed incredible grit to keep their basketball dreams alive, setting up their reunion in Atlanta.
Comparing Their Journeys to the Pros
| Player | Belleville West Role | College Career | NBA Entry Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| EJ Liddell | Two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball, Forward | Ohio State University | Drafted 41st overall (2022) |
| Malachi Smith | All-State Championship Guard | Wright State, Chattanooga, Gonzaga | Undrafted, G League Pathway |
Inspiration for the Metro East
For young players in Belleville, East Saint Louis, and across the metro area, seeing Liddell and Smith share an NBA locker room is highly motivating. It shows that local athletes can reach the highest level of professional sports through persistence. While Saint Louis is known for producing elite basketball talent, having two teammates from the same local high school roster reunite in the NBA is a historic achievement.
What to Watch Next
Local fans should watch both the Atlanta Hawks and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, this season. Liddell is working to recapture his dominant pre-injury form, while Smith is proving he belongs in an NBA backcourt. Because both players are fighting for permanent rotation spots, they will likely see significant floor time together in G League games, allowing them to showcase their classic Belleville West chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did they play together at Belleville West?
They played together during the 2017-18 season, winning the school’s first state title before Smith graduated. - Which team reunited them?
The Atlanta Hawks organization reunited the duo by bringing both players into their system. - What college did Malachi Smith attend?
Smith played for Wright State, Chattanooga, and Gonzaga during his successful college career. - Did Liddell win awards in high school?
Yes, Liddell won the prestigious Illinois Mr. Basketball award in both 2018 and 2019.
Tune into the Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks schedule this winter to support these Belleville West legends as they represent Saint Louis on the national stage.
Belleville West Stars Reunite as NBA Teammates
