Jabari Smith Jr. started 79 games last season for the Houston Rockets as the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, so against the competition in the NBA 2K24 Summer League, he would be expected to shine. And, boy, is he.

After scoring 33 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-point basket, in a 100-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Houston’s Summer League opener on Friday night, the former Auburn standout had 38 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the Rockets’ 113-101 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday in Las Vegas.

“Just coming out here and competing,” Smith said during an in-game interview with ESPN on Sunday. “Just taking advantage of it. Not thinking I’m too good for it. Just coming out here trying to get better. …

“The crowd, the fans, the whistles, you usually don’t get that during the summer. But just coming out here competing, nobody’s too good for it. Coming out, getting reps, getting better and getting ready for the season, with a new coach coming in, learning a new offense playing with new teammates. And just having fun. I love playing the game.”

Other players from Alabama high schools and colleges in action on Sunday in the NBA Summer League included:

· Sharife Cooper (Auburn) had eight points, one rebound, five assists and two steals in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 99-76 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

· Wendell Green (Auburn) had five points and one assist in the Cavalier’s victory as he made his pro debut with 4:40 on the court.

· Brandon Miller (Alabama) had 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal in the Charlotte Hornets’ 93-75 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft shot 4-of-18, including 0-of-7 on 3-pointers.

· Noah Clowney (Alabama) had eight points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the Brooklyn Nets’ 98-80 victory over the New York Knicks.

· J.D. Davison (Calhoun, Alabama) had four points, nine assists, three steals and one block in the Boston Celtics’ 103-98 loss to the Washington Wizards. Davison also lost 10 turnovers in the game.

· Charles Bediako (Alabama) had three points and two rebounds in the San Antonio Spurs’ 85-80 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.