Smith is a fearless forward, who makes the most of his natural gifts with work ethic and attention to detail. Started a Saturday contest by ripping and going by a 7+ footer for a monstrous slam. And he kept applying pressure around the rim with putbacks, oops and his usually array of non stop motor production. Has one of the higher floors in the Class of 2028, which will set him up for next level success. His ceiling isn’t too shabby either. In state program Oral Roberts is clearly intent on locking him down, as they extended an offer this week. With more colleges sure to follow.

While Smith is working on developing perimeter aspects to his game, one aspect has stayed the same. His motor. Approaches the game with a mindset that every rebound on both ends of the court belongs to him. He’s especially effective in that approach because he has a strong second jump. Those qualities lead to highlight reel quality putback dunks and alley oops, which shows even gritty players can produce the best highlights.

Smith’s play immediately stood out over the weekend. A true stretch forward, Garrett was most effective as a screener — both creating opportunities for teammates and popping to space. He had stretches where his perimeter shooting was effective, helping create a balanced, spaced floor for others to attack. Smith was also comfortable and confident with his back to the basket, finishing over the top of defenders and operating with a deliberate and patient demeanor. As a true inside-out player, his frame held up well. If he can continue to develop on the defensive end and become a more aggressive rebounder on both sides of the ball, you’ll see a player whose game translates to the next level, with programs likely coming after him in waves. There’s still plenty of room to grow, but the foundation is there.

The workhorse in the middle for Mustang. Was all over the rims all week, including dominating via the dunker spot. So many oops and other explosive finishes around the rim as the perfect vertical threat. Great anticipation when attacking the offensive glass as well. Then in the title game, they even got him going on post ups late when they needed buckets. Smith is a bet on production prospect, because he’s a steady producer who plays to his current strength. A triple hit against Putnam City North indicates there is room for his game to grow on his outstanding foundation of being an athletic, vertical threat.

Garrett was electrifying. He showcased his ability to be the best lob threat in the state. His ability to throw down lobs makes Mustang a dangerous team. It opens up the pick-and-roll for his guards and attracts a lot of attention. The promising prospect was the X-factor for the Broncos in their win versus Santa Fe. He altered shots at the rim, was a beast on the glass, and had three huge lobs throughout the game. Garrett will cause a lot of problems throughout the tournament. He will be a key piece as they try to knock off a 27–1 Putnam City North team.

Mustang avenged one of their two losses with a 47-32 win over Broken Arrow to win the Conco Phillips/Arvest Invitational in Bartlesville. The sophomore is the anchor in the middle for his talented squad. He pulled down 12 rebounds in the title game, along with 10 points and 4 blocks that showcased his athleticism. Smith is a great example of a player who knows his role and thrives in it. Plays with an outstanding motor and seems to be a lock for a highlight reel dunk or two each game.

Smith spent a spring and summer embracing a role as a small ball but high flying center. The athleticism to clean the glass, slam it home and block shots was still very much apparent. But it’s clear the in two months since last watching him, he’s putting in the time to improve his handles. He’s not the finished product, but in the camp setting he looked more confident pushing it in transition. Or catching the ball on the wing and then becoming a dynamic slasher. The best thing about this improvement, is he kept his motor running to still play to his strengths. That’s a key for tweener prospects like Smith, continuing to play to strengths while finding the right settings to work on weaknesses.

One of the best traits a young prospect can have is perseverance. Smith seems to have that in spades. A poor Saturday was followed up by a game changing Sunday morning performance for a win. The athletic wing-forward prospect was crucial in grabbing boards, slammed home three dunks and simply played BIG. It’s refreshing to see a player that does have some of the skills and profile of a wing, be willing to have the grit to play as a forward. As the rest of his game develops, the experience of interior battles will pay dividends.

The Mustang wing has gifts that can’t be taught and when combined with perseverance he should continue to develop into a game changing player. On both ends of the court.