5-Star Josh Smith Names Top Schools

One of the top prospects in the talent rich Class of 2004 is Josh Smith of McEachern H.S. in Powder Springs, Ga.

Rivalshoops.com had a chance to catch up with Smith this past weekend at the adidas Gym Rats Midnight Madness in Cherry Hill, N.J., and the 6-8, 200 pound southpaw swingman gave us an early glimpse into his recruitment.

Smith said there are nine colleges that he is considering. Among that lot are Duke, Missouri, UCLA, Stanford, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Louisiana State.

Within the past month, Smith paid an unofficial visit to Georgia for the Bulldogs' football game against Clemson back on Aug. 31. Other than providing a list of the nine schools, Smith didn't say that he had a leader in his recruiting process.

Smith has excellent size for a wing player, moves swiftly and has a knack for scoring points in transition and from beyond the three point arc. He's also not averse to going inside and grabbing rebounds on both ends of the floor, and his quick leaping ability allows him to get tip jams on the offensive side of the glass.

There's little doubting his talent or potential, although he needs to improve his decision making and shot selection, which is at times erratic and or questionable.

Last season at McEachern H.S., Smith averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and six blocks per contest. He said he has a 2.2 GPA but has yet to take the SAT or ACT.

Smith shined this past summer at the adidas ABCD Camp, and continued his fine play for Wallace Prather's Atlanta Celtics program at the adidas Big Time Tournament, where the Celtics were knocked out in the final 16.

Rivalshoops.com will keep you posted on Smith in the weeks and months to come, so stay tuned.