JJ is a player I’ve already had the chance to watch in other settings, so CP3 wasn’t about discovering him. It was another opportunity to see how his offensive game translates around other talented players.

The confidence with the ball has always stood out. He’s comfortable creating off the bounce and getting himself into scoring opportunities rather than waiting for somebody else to make the play.

That national recognition isn’t accidental either. JJ currently sits among the highly regarded players in the 2030 class, including a top-10 national ranking from Prep Hoops.

Boog’s Take: JJ has the confidence you want from a young creator. Now it’s about what happens after he gets that first advantage. Can he consistently make the right read, finish through length and impact the game defensively? Those are the next things I’ll be watching as his game continues to develop.

Simply put, there aren’t many freshmen coming in nationally that have the polished scoring repertoire that Smith does. A supremely athletic guard who has a great handle and good enough shot, Smith is able to get a bucket on all three levels and keep defenses guessing. He will be a division one player in a few years, it’s just a matter of what level.

He displayed strong athleticism and impressive elevation. He hit a jumper from the top of the key and consistently attacked off the dribble, drawing contact and earning trips to the line. His explosiveness allowed him to finish effectively downhill.