It has been a long road, from a recruiting standpoint, for Hamilton High School's talented 6-foot-4, 185-pound unsigned senior guard Rashad Smith. A member of Arizona's 2018 class, Smith is still undecided on his college destination. After some success during his college recruitment, Smith is still trying to figure it all out for himself.
I caught up briefly with Smith this weekend at the Southwest Showcase Summer Championships, and he advised me that he is still unsure as to what he will do for college. He mentioned that he was very interested in Northern Arizona, but that he is not sure what he will do. It has been reported that Smith still has some work to do in the classroom to qualify academically, so he could be headed the junior college route or to a post-graduate situation at a prep program.
This spring, Smith received some serious recruiting attention when he received a huge offer from DePaul University. Unfortunately for Smith, he has yet to qualify academically and receive the scholarship, so a year of post-graduate work or a stint in the juco ranks would suit him very nicely. Smith has also received division-I interest from such schools as Pacific, Saint Mary's, Loyola Marymount and UW-Milwaukee throughout his high school career. His college recruitment should absolutely soar once he decides on a future destination, unless he can qualify academically this summer, and then he would become a hot commodity during the off-season.
Smith has developed nicely over the past two years into a bigger guard prospect with a nice skill level and excellent size for the combo-guard position. He has a nice overall offensive package, which allows him to score inside and out, and play and defend multiple positions on the floor. He is a nice asset to any team as a result of his versatility and ability to make shots with range, while also being able to score inside the paint, off strong drives and finishes at the basket.
Whichever level or direction Smith decides to go this summer, he is a superb talent with serious upside for the future and a lot in his bag, which will allow him to be very successful over time.
I will continue to follow the college recruitment of Smith closely, heading into the summer, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Smith is a bigger guard prospect that is able to play both guard positions on the floor, but is at his best as a scorer. He is a very good shooter with excellent range on his shot, and a nice ability to make plays off the dribble for himself and others. He has an excellent handle of the basketball and is a very good slasher and finisher in the open court. He pushes the ball up the floor to the open man, and also enjoys having the basketball in his hands. He has good overall size and a quick release on his shot. A good athlete. An active rebounder but needs to continue to focus on this area of his game, which should progress nicely over time. A good on-the-ball defender that also plays passing lanes. Has upside as a player. A good overall guard prospect for the mid-major level, with very good potential for the future.
