Cassara: Smith Is Awesome

Worcester head coach Mo Cassara knew a couple of years ago how special a player center Craig Smith was. Now the entire Big East Conference knows. Smith, along with Syracuse's Carmelo Anthony, have been the top two newcomers to the Big East Conference this season.

"This is an awesome time of the year," Cassara said. "And Craig has been awesome this season. It's a good time because I can sit back and see how the players that were at Worcester are doing this season on the college level. And Craig has been outstanding."

Smith, who was ranked the 49th best player in the country in the 2002 class, has nimble feet and exceptional hands. He is very skillful around the basket and eluding defenders. "He has done a great job for BC," Cassara said. "It's great to see him do so well. I could see what a talented player he was when he first got to Worcester."

Smith played for Cassara during the 2001-2002 season. Smith consistently scored in the paint and showed some solid perimeter skills too.

Smith, 6-9, 230-pounds, can play both the power forward slot and the center position.

Smith was always a tough warrior inside. "It's a thrill to see him doing so well and it's even better to watch him do it at this time of the year."

Boston College plays Pittsburgh tonight in one of the Big East Conference semifinals. Smith will have to have a big game for the Eagles to upset what many consider one of the best teams in the country.