Recruiting Report: Antoine Smith (2017)

T.J. Rushing

August 10, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

Photo Credit -- www.dispatch.com   One of the biggest stock-risers in Ohio’s 2017 class is Westerville South 6-foot-7 small forward Antoine Smith.   And though no offers have come in for the good-sized wing, Smith has interest forming from several Division I schools.   “A lot of mid-majors have been showing interest, like Belmont, St. Francis (PA), and Loyola Chicago. A lot of teams are just waiting to see how I can do my senior season when I have a larger role with my team, and I’m able to really show off my game,” said Smith.   “No school really stands out as recruiting me the most, they have all shown about equal interest. I wouldn’t say my recruitment is a priority, I am worried about it, but it’s not necessarily my focus going into my senior season.”   What is most striking about Smith is his great size, and though he used to play post and wing, he’s now primarily moved into the small forward spot.   “My biggest strength is my 3-point shooting, and using that I’m able to get to the basket because people come out and guard me so close,” he said.   “I’m for sure working on my ball-handling, and then my strength. Those are the two main things I’m working on.”   Smith spent his 17U season playing with Ohio Basketball Club, and mentioned that his outside shooting was critical to the team’s success.   “For that team I was pretty much a 3-point threat and I played hard,” he said. “The main focus was to win games, so playing hard and hitting shots was my job. It was such a talented team, I just tried to fit in and do what I could.”   Now he’s gearing up for what will be a very important senior season for him with the Wildcats.   “Last year I came off the bench, but this year I’ll be playing a lot more,” said Smith. “And I’m going to have to get into way better shape. And personally I just want to get better every day.”