Recruiting Report: Blake Smith (2018)
The AAU season is, above all, about getting better and getting college exposure. Blake Smith’s undoubtedly checked both of those boxes.
Smith, a 6-foot-7 forward from Grand Rapids has helped form one of the deepest and most potent front lines in the state playing with Comets-Servaty.
Smith has a strong frame and he puts it to use as he’s an effective offensive rebounder and screen setter. He doesn’t require a lot of touches to make an impact on the offensive end but he has good hands, can finish around the rim and is expanding his repertoire.
“I’m trying to develop my outside shot and defensive skills more,” said Smith. “With my high school team I will need to do more in terms of handling the ball and creating my own shot. And I think I’ve been doing that pretty well.”
Playing with Comets Servaty has helped Smith a great deal as he not only plays against high level competition every weekend but he also gets an up close look at some of the top big men in the state. The entire experience has made him better.
“I think that gives us a huge advantage but it also helps me because I can develop other parts of my game,” said Smith. “Our posts can all do a little bit of different things when it comes to playing inside and outside. Justin [Balcome], he’s 6’9 or 6’10 and he can dribble the ball and shoot threes. I kind of want to be like that. I watch him and talk to him about that stuff.”
Smith’s strong summer has a lot of schools taking notice. He recently received an offer from Waldorf and has drawn plenty of interest from a number of others.
“Been talking to Eau Claire, Concordia-Moorhead, St. Mary’s, Wisconsin Superior and Waldorf a lot,” said Smith.