2021 forward Jai Smith has flown under the radar for sometime but more than enough interest from high major programs to back up his improving game.
UMass, Rutgers, Saint Louis, Seton Hall, Syracuse, Siena, San Diego, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Temple and Oregon State have all been recruiting him with Hofstra being the most recent to reach out and offer him a scholarship.
“They are great people,” Smith explained. “Who bring a welcoming and friendly vibe.”
Smith is a stretch four that can do a little bit of everything on the floor. According to our advanced metrics on the Nike EYBL circuit last season, Smith was one to watch in the upcoming year following his sudden emergence towards the end of the EYBL season.
He finished last summer with a 67-percent true shooting percentage, while also having a 78-percent effective field goal percentage.
Most of the programs have caught on to his abilities and have paid attention to his improvement throughout the years.
“Coaches like how I’m a tough defender that can spread the floor,” he said. “And athleticism and also my rebounding ability.”
Smith is a player that is still open in his recruitment but will be looking to start narrowing down his list of schools and possibly commit, “sometime this season coming up,” he said. He will be looking for a program that will help him get to his ultimate goal.
“Solid and loyal,” he said of what he’s looking for in a college. “Like a family, who can help me reach my goal of playing in the NBA.”
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