Former foe of Pacers center Rik Smits once battled Larry Bird for collegiate scoring title

Ever wonder how former Pacers center Rik Smits spends his free time or who was the toughest player he faced during his career? 

Well the wait is over. 

Friday, the Dunking Dutchman took over the Indiana Pacers' Twitter account to do a question and answer session with Pacer fans. 

One of the answers that drew the most engagement was a question about the best player Smits played against that never made the NBA. 

His answer: Greek guard Nikos Galis. 

"Nikos Galis, a Greek player. I played him in the European Championships and he was just unbelievable," Smits said.

That's high praise for a player that never made the Association. So who is Nikos Galis? 

Galis was born in Union City, New Jersey and went on to play at Seton Hall. 

During his senior season at Seton Hall, Galis averaged 27.5 points per game, placing him third in the nation behind Idaho State's Lawrence Butler (30.1 points per game), and Indiana State's Larry Bird (28. 6 ppg). 

Galis was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the fourth round of the 1979 NBA Draft but never played for the franchise. He went on to win eight Greek League Championships. He's a five-time Greek League MVP and won MVP of the EuroLeague in 1987. He was voted as one of FIBA's 50 greatest players in 1991. He was also inducted into the Seton Hall Athletic Hall of Fame in '91 as well. 

Here are some other interesting answers from the Q & A:

Q: Mullet or bald?

A: Let's put it this way: Anything was better than the bald look.

Q: Who was the toughest player you went against?

A: Hakeem Olajuwon. He was quicker than me and had an array of moves. A quick first step, just tough to guard.

Q: Favorite current Pacers player?

A: Domas (Sabonis). I love watching his hustle, tenacity, passing, and rebounding. He's phenomenal in the low post. I think his outside shooting will probably improve because he'll put the work in.

Q: The loudest and most intimidating venue you played playoff basketball in was?

A: Nowhere was louder than Pacers home games but Madison Square Garden was the most intimidating.

Q:When was the last time you watched that game-winning shot against Orlando Magic in 1995, and how do you feel when you watch it today ?

A: I typically watch it on the anniversary, it always shows up somewhere, usually on Facebook. It always makes me feel good and brings back lots of good memories.

Q: What do you like to do with your time now?

A: Go to the gym, lift some weights. I still play some basketball. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and my hobbies, like motorcycle restoration.

Follow IndyStar sports producer Akeem Glaspie on Twitter at @THEAkeemGlaspie.