National Ranking: 130

A prospect I’ve been high on for a long time, Smith’s slashing and toughness made him and Nj Gray form one of my favorite backcourts in the country with Team Lillard. Smith received offers this summer from programs like Oregon State, UCSD, UTEP and Washington State. I’ve written about Smith a couple times and nothing about my evaluation has changed and I’d expect him to make an instant impact at the college level at any west coast mid-major program.

One of the top scorers on the 3SSB circuit, Smith has been dominating for Team Lilliard next to Nj Gray in the backcourt. This duo made the 16 U championship together last summer and will look to push Team Lilliard again on a deep run. Smith holds offers from a handful of top mid major programs out west including Oregon State, New Mexico, San Francisco, UC Santa Barbara and more. I’d expect Smith to play right away at that level as his scoring ability is tough to find.

Took great care of the ball, consistently keeping defenders on his hip to create advantages on drive-and-kick situations and downhill attacks. He looked comfortable in tight, crowded spaces — navigating traffic with poise and control even when things appeared sped up. Created well off the dribble, showing the ability to rise up, stop on a dime, and knock down mid-range pull-ups. Showed a well-rounded scoring ability, able to impact the game from multiple spots on the floor.

Prep Hoops National Ranking: 150

I loved the Team Lillard 16 U backcourt as their ability to play up-tempo without turning the ball over, apply pressure to the rim and scoring efficiently helped them win the Palmetto Road Championship. Smith was also the second most efficient player on the Adidas 16 U 3SSB circuit, trailing only Zachary. I’m very excited to watch this Team Lillard squad at the 17 U level next summer with Smith and Nj Gray leading the way.

Jaylen Smith Jaylen Smith 6'2" | SG/PG Granada | 2027 State #131 Nation CA-N | 6’1 G | Amador High | Team Lillard

3SSB Champions – Adidas All-American Camp 

Not sure there is a 6’1 and under guard that scores as easily as Smith. Jaylen Smith Jaylen Smith 6'2" | SG/PG Granada | 2027 State #131 Nation CA-N makes scoring look effortless. 

Smith averaged 19 points per game on the 3SSB circuit, shooting an impressive 58% from the field and 53% from deep — connecting on 61 of 115 three-point attempts. He finished the 3SSB season just two free throws shy of joining his own elite 50/50/90 club, a testament to his efficiency across the board.

What separates Smith from other guards his size is how easy he makes it look. His pull-up jumper feels like a layup at the rate that it goes in. Smith shoots a true jumper with good lift and rhythm— consistently replicating the same smooth release, even from deep.

Beyond the numbers, it’s Smith’s poise under pressure that turns heads. He’s cool, calm, and collected. He doesn’t force the moment —he owns it. That’s why Team Lillard put the ball in his hands with 4 seconds left, down 2 in a high-stakes game. They trusted him to take the last shot and that tells you everything you need to know about his game. Jaylen Smith Jaylen Smith 6'2" | SG/PG Granada | 2027 State #131 Nation CA-N is more than a scorer. He’s a closer.

I first saw Smith a year ago with his high school team in a Fall preseason tournament at Clovis West in Fresno, and the skill and shot making was evident. Smith has continued to improve his shooting efficiency, as well as his array of moves to score the ball, which was evident at the 3SSB Championships in Rock Hill, where he was named Player of the Game en route to Team Lillard winning the 16u division. The 6-foot-1 combo guard continued his high level of play at the Invitational showing the moves to create separation from his opponent with the crossover, wrap around cross, and between the leg cross and quick release on the jumper with accuracy from the 3-point line. Smith keeps the dribble alive with a purpose, weaves through the defense to get to his shot spots, has touch on the mid-range shot and the floater, and gets great acceleration off the bounce to get by his defender with creativity on finishes around the basket. Smith can run the offense and find open teammates, but he is at his best when he is hunting his shots. 

Smith is usually a reliable pass first point guard willing to patiently operate up top, looking to get others going delivering quality passes. Driving for kick outs, dishes, and dump offs to get assists. We’ve noticed lately he’s become more aggressive looking to get his own shot. He has a nice mid-range jump shot. On Sunday he had a breakout game, he found his rhythm dropping 3’s all over the place. He’s a calm and steady point guard, now he’s knocking down shots. Consistency will be key.

He’s coming into his own as a point guard. His confidence continues to grow as he fine tunes his point guard skills. Quality handles, vision, he doesn’t mind being a distributor. He’s starting to get aggressive looking to put points on the board. He has strong balanced drives to the basket. He has a nice mid-range and paint jumper. He has the foot speed to defend whole court.

He’s one of our better point guards in this class. A good ball handling guard with vision and patience up top, he makes good decisions with the ball, always looking to involve others. He was actively using his individual skills to get buckets. Strong drives into the paint, a consistent mid-range jumper he relies on. He has good moves in the open court.