Recruiting Report: Christian Smith (2018)

Over the past two weeks, we’ve watched 6’5”-6’6” wing Christian Smith (2018) dominate games at a summer league for Toledo Rogers. Smith has been affecting the game in a number of ways, and his large list of recruiters reflects the talent we’re seeing in June.

“Davidson, Bethune-Cookman, Ashland, Findlay. Cleveland State, the JUCO out of Tennessee, the one that [former Rogers teammate] Cam Copeland went to, they just contacted me today. Toledo was, I don’t know if they still are or not. And Bowling Green,” Smith said, when asked who has shown interest in him.

Smith later clarified that Cleveland State Community College (TN) is the most recent team to show interest.

Frankly, we believe Smith projects as a perfect fit at the Division II level. He could move up to that Division I stage, if, as he mentioned in the interview, he improves his explosiveness and athleticism.

As far as Smith himself is concerned, he just wants to play the game.

“I plan on choosing a place where I feel [I] will come in play right away,” Smith told Prep Hoops.

Smith expressed concerns about his 2.0 GPA in the interview also.

“I really have to lockdown mentally. Just focus. Get a couple of tutors to help me out. Get a couple study halls so I can take care of my work for real and take care of my studies. And time management — me realizing that I have to separate myself from my friends and everything if I want to become something great,” Smith said.

In the senior campaign with Rogers, Smith will start varsity for the fourth straight year. And for the fourth straight year, Smith will be a lethal offensive threat.

“My best skill is probably, I’m good in the pick and roll. I can be the ball-handler or the pick man. I’m good in the post too, because I’m able to pass it out or score with ease pretty much. Those are my two main things, and rebounding,” Smith said.

In that post-up option he mentioned, Smith shows gifted awareness. His head is always on a swivel, and he’s equally willing to find someone or attack his matchup, depending on what the defense gives him.

Smith has also impressed us lately with his consistency on hitting contested pull-ups. His high release allows him to shoot without much separation against opposing guards.

He told Prep Hoops that he foresees himself as a 2 or 3 in college, but programs have told him that they expect to use him in a number of ways, because of his height and skill.

But, for now, Smith is just ready to take Rogers as far as possible, which includes him being a leader for the young group of Rams.

“I feel as if I’m like the big brother, like the main leader … I’m real big on [being] vocal, but I’ll show it too. I show a lot of it. But vocally, some of my kids get to me when I talk to them and tell them what to do. Like I talk to them and never sugarcoat anything. Always tell them the truth because that’s how they’re going to get better,” Smith said.

It’s yet to be determined who Smith will play July with, as he’s not sure if he’ll return to All Ohio Red Johnson or not.