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Yes, former University of Hawaii basketball star Alika Smith betrayed the trust of many when, as Waiakea High School’s basketball coach in 2022, he stole money intended for a team trip. Unforgivable.
But those who remember Smith playing at UH with Anthony “AC” Carter can’t help but hope he straightens out. Smith was given the gift of a second chance after pleading no contest to theft: facing up to five years in prison, he instead was sentenced to community service and four years’ probation. Now he must overcome the gambling addiction that evidently got him into trouble in the first place.