Louisville Recruiting, Providence Recruiting, Ron Bailey, Rutgers Recruiting, St. John's Recruiting

CATCHING UP WITH RUSS SMITH

Smith Headed to Prep, Then Maybe the Big East

by Ron Bailey

December 16, 2008 – Coming off a 34-point performance at the Gonzaga DC Classic, Archbishop Molloy’s (NYC) talented point guard Russ Smith, a 6’0”, 170 pound senior indicated he’s not quite ready to hit Division I ball. “I’m not going to college” said Smith, upon discerning this writer assumed he was matriculating to the university level next year. “I’m going to go to South Kent Prep (CT).”

Based upon is play, Smith, who holds an “85” GPA and 24.9 points per game average at Molloy, could definitely go directly to a four year institution next year. In the New York City point guard mode, Russ can attack the rim expertly and finishes using crafty ball fakes and shots. His handle is on the top end of the spectrum, which enables Smith to get around players despite not being super-athletic or possessing great size.

Colleges have noticed; to date Russ has offers from Big East schools Providence and St. John’s, while Rutgers and Louisville have indicated interest. Outside of the league, “Stanford, Jacksonville, Arkansas, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Rhode Island” and South Carolina, Iona, George Mason and Fordhan have either tendered scholarship opportunities or are recruiting him.

The Williamsburg (Brooklyn) resident plans to select a program that plays the “up and down game,” offers playing time, and is solid academically. Expect Russ to improve his “defense and strength” along with his jump shot at South Kent next year, development that will likely expand his already sizeable college list.

Smith’s coach at Molloy, the venerable and famed 51 year veteran Jack Curran, thinks highly of his charge.

“This guy, he’s terrible,” joked the energetic and engaging Curran of Smith, the latest Molloy star. Does the coaching legend think Russ is destined for the highest rungs of college ball?

“Could be” said Curran. “He has to dress up his game and get stronger…When he gets to play with better players, you will see him get better.”

On point comments regarding a true New York City point guard.

Scouting Report:

Smith loves to attack the hole, using slick moves to free himself. Going right he’s quicker and more confident than going left, though Russ indicated his “left hand is strong.” The Brooklynite also likes to drop off passes to open teammates upon penetration. Once Smith’s jumper becomes more consistent – and becoming stronger will help in that regard – his entire offensive repertoire well open up.

Defensively, Smith must work harder, using his feet instead of lunging; as he matures physically, with increased strength and quickness training, the reaching should stop. Russ knows how to play passing lanes, picking off lazy passes. He can also, at times, strap mano-y-mano.

Smith seems to have a good hoops I.Q., anticipating double teams and soft spots in defenses.

Prep school will give him an opportunity to develop physically and from a skill perspective. Russ’ upside is high.

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