Recruiting Report: 2018 Jourdan Smith (Video)

Jourdan Smith, also known as “Smitty”, is one of the more unique prospects in Louisiana's 2018 class. The lefty from Shaw High School stands at 6-foot-6 but has the skills of a point guard with the defensive versatility to play the wing as well.

Two weeks ago, Smith played with NOLA 23 and helped the 16U team capture the Grassroots HoopFest championship with a 64-57 win over New Orleans Basketball Club (video). This weekend, though, he'll be suiting up with New Orleans Elite for the second week of the Adidas Gauntlet circuit in Atlanta and Smith has been doing all he can to improve in hopes of having a good showing.

“I've been getting ready for the summer by lifting with my coach at school Monday through Thursday every week and staying in the gym after with him,” Smith said. “I think my strengths are mid-range jumpers and one-on-one from the wing.”

Smith does have good touch from mid-range and likes to get to his shot quickly with one or two dribbles. He's still a very patient player, though, and is a willing passer that finds his teammates in good spots in pick and roll action and in transition as well.

Smitty also has a good speed in the open floor and is a long strider that usually looks to get all the way to the rim. He says he's still more comfortable off the ball at this point but he also has the ball handling ability to play the point.

“I see myself playing the 2 and 3 but still being able to bring the ball down,” he said. “I need to improve my quickness which would help with my defense and I could also improve into a 3-point shooter.”

Smith could also be more aggressive in half court situations attacking the rim and can improve his physicality and consistency on defense. He does, however, show good anticipation blocking shots and sometimes jumping passing lanes, and he's a willing participant on that end of the floor.

Smith has yet to pull in his first offer but said he's been in contact with Northwestern State, Indiana State and UNO. Baylor, TCU and Kansas have recently been in touch as well.

Smith has solid grades with a 2.5 GPA including a 19 on the ACT and he's also considering joining a prep school and reclassifying to the Class of 2019. The 2018 prospect is still only 16 years old and doesn't make 17 until September.

He also says doctors have told him he's still growing and the upside for Smith is significant both figuratively and literally.