Chandler High School has built one of Arizona’s premier basketball programs, and after finishing with a strong 20-9 overall record last season in the state’s highly competitive 6A Division, the Wolves enter the 2026-27 season looking to reload rather than rebuild. Although Chandler lost a couple of key contributors to transfers during the offseason, the door is now open for 6-foot-6, 200-pound senior Jamir Smith to step into a much larger role and emerge as one of the featured players for this year’s team. Smith has developed consistently throughout his high school career, improving each season, and now appears poised for a tremendous breakout senior campaign.
One of the most athletic players in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), Smith possesses excellent size, explosiveness and versatility. He is a big-time athletic talent with an excellent motor and competes hard on both ends of the floor. His physical tools allow him to impact the game in a variety of ways, and he has continued to improve his overall skill level throughout his high school career.
I have followed Smith closely over the last several years, and I have watched him make consistent strides each season. That continued development is a major reason why I believe he is ready to take another significant step forward this year.
I recently watched Smith and the Chandler program compete at the AZ Compass Prep Fall League, and I came away extremely impressed with Smith’s performance, as well as the Chandler team as a whole. I expect Chandler to surprise a lot of people this season, and I definitely expect Smith to do the same.
Smith is one of the top unsigned sleeper prospects in Arizona’s 2027 Class. His combination of size, athleticism, versatility and a relentless motor makes him an intriguing college prospect with the ability to come into the right college program and make an impact.
While Smith does not currently hold a Division-I scholarship offer, I expect his college recruitment to increase considerably throughout his senior season. College programs from numerous levels should take a very hard look at him. It remains to be seen whether Smith ultimately develops into a Division-I signee out of high school, but he certainly possesses the physical tools, athleticism, motor and intangibles to reach that level. Either way, Jamir Smith is a very good college prospect who deserves much more recruiting attention. I expect him to raise plenty of eyebrows throughout the season with his play.
Chandler also has the benefit of an excellent and respected coaching staff, led by Head Coach John Rother, which has done a very good job of developing its players and consistently producing competitive teams.
I will continue to follow the Chandler program closely this season and especially Smith, as he continues his rise among Arizona’s top unsigned seniors. I look forward to watching him have a big senior season and seeing where his continued development and college recruitment ultimately take him.
