Would a young Burlington Notre Dame student ever have imagined that one day he
would become the radio voice of the 2019 World Champion Toronto Raptors?
Burlington's Eric Smith ultimately became the radio voice of the Toronto Raptors and
co-host of "Smith and Jones" on Sportsnet the Fan590 but there is so much more to this
story.
After completing high school Eric enrolled in Toronto's Humber College to study
broadcast journalism. He graduated with honours, distinguishing himself by being
named to the Dean's Honour List in each of his three years enrolled in the broadcast
journalism program. Part of his education was a co-op placement at the FAN590 and
based on his achievements and potential, was ultimately hired in his graduating year.
And in January 2022 Eric celebrated 25 years at the Fan 590.
A big part of Eric's career is a partnership with Paul Jones; Paul, himself an
accomplished basketball player at York University. Broadcast partners on Raptor games
since 2005, they now have a radio show and Podcast called 'Smith and Jones' and the
two have a connection that you can hear through the radio. On the Raptor games, they
have even exchanged roles, trading from doing the colour commentary or the
play-by-play.
Covering the Raptors all these years is an outstanding part of Eric's career, yet it is only
a part. He would show his breadth of talent by switching over to the TV side of things as
an NBA analyst and feature interviewer. He also has hosted a weekly basketball show
that was simulcast on NBA TV Canada, He has lately shown his passion for writing
about his thoughts on all things Raptors as a columnist for Sportsnet.ca. He has also
done work for Global TV sports, as their Raptors/NBA analyst, and he has appeared
on CNN, NBA TV, CBC Newsworld, and more.
A highlight of Eric's career was calling the 2019 Toronto Raptor run to the NBA
championship, but his love and knowledge of sports isn't restricted to the hardcourt.
He takes as much pride in his calling of the Olympic boxing tournament in London in
2012 as well as his ongoing support and annual coverage of the National Bank Open,
formally known as the Rogers Cup, Women's Tennis tournament in Toronto.
A popular and sought-after sports personality locally, throughout Canada, and the United
States, Eric has brought much pride to his hometown with his professionalism and
commitment to excellence in his chosen career. The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame is
thrilled to induct Eric Smith into the media category.