Recruiting Report: Matt Smith (2017)
Power forwards who can stretch the floor on offense, then turn around and block a shot on the other end are increasingly valued in modern basketball. Matt Smith (2017) will not be left wayside during this shift. The 6’7” forward’s…
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Continue ReadingPower forwards who can stretch the floor on offense, then turn around and block a shot on the other end are increasingly valued in modern basketball. Matt Smith (2017) will not be left wayside during this shift. The 6’7” forward’s skills naturally fit into this version of the game.
The inside-out threat from Bloom Carroll has been receiving interest from Shawnee State. Contact with the Bears ramped up following a visit with grassroots team VCC Nova earlier this month.
“Recently it’s been mostly Shawnee State,” Smith said.
Smith was offered by Shawnee State last week to go along with another from Bluefield College (VA). Additionally, he recently received interest from Colorado Christian.
The power forward, who can slide over to the wing at times, is keeping his options wide open. He has been playing especially well this summer. If that development continues, who knows how many offers Smith will have in front of him in a few months.
So, what divisional level does he think he fits in at?
“I think probably D-I or D-II or NAIA,” Smith said.
And that’s a reasonable assessment. Given his upside and versatility, it’s hard to peg him in for a specific level just yet.
As a junior he earned 2nd Team Mid-State League, doing so by scoring with his back to the basket and spotting up for three. It’s obvious in warm-ups that he’s a matchup problem — at 6’7”, he’s noticeably light on his feet.
“I’m a fairly balanced player. I can shoot the three and go inside to score. Handle the ball fairly well for being 6’7” … play the 3 or 4,” Smith said.
D2 Prospect 6'7" Matt Smith , Bloom Carroll HS highlight @NovaVillage1 @Matthew_smith14 https://t.co/YZS7BcfsEW
— Shawn Brown (@Coachsbrown) April 7, 2016
Bloom Carroll is a team to watch in this upcoming high school season, and Smith will be a crucial reason for that.
“My role has stepped up on the team since our seniors left … I’m excited for it. A lot more opportunities to do things for the team,” Smith said.
Bloom Carroll has performed highly in June shoot-outs at the Jewish Community Center and Denison University. They will travel to Ohio University this weekend.
He will finish the summer back with VCC Nova in July.
Playing on highly regarded teams yields plenty of opportunity for scouts to pay more attention to Smith. If he’s not already the reason you’re in the bleachers, we encourage you to take a minute to realize the versatility and potential of Smith.
Once he adds a little more bulk, which all kids do when they enter college, we’re looking at a high-caliber collegiate player.