Did West Coast Teams Miss On Craig Smith

Usually when you watch a recruit three or four times during a two-month stretch you can get a good feel on what this particular player can do and not do on the court.

Rivalshoops.com has had a chance now to watch Craig Smith five times this season (Russ Blake & Mike Sullivan combined) and we can't honestly see what Smith can't do.

Smith, 6-8, 260-pounds, has shown a deadly medium range perimeter game, a desire to grab every rebound, and some wonderful low post moves to keep even the biggest defenders off balance when he has the ball.

Did the West Coast teams miss on Craig Smith, who comes from Los Angeles, California? When asked the question, Smith first hesitated. He then answered: "I don't think so. I committed to Boston College because they were with me for a long time. they were committed to me. They never lost confidence in me."

It's likely the fair statement would have been that most everyone missed on Smith, including coaches, media members, and fans. Smith has developed into one of the best low post players on the prep level. "In high school I wasn't promoted like the other players," Smith said. "But I was never surprised in what I can do."

Give the staff at Boston College credit. They probably wish they had Smith this season. "They already told me that," Smith said. "I wish I could have been there this year. But it gave me a chance to work on my game more."

Smith said he wants to work on more of his game while he is at Worcester Academy. "I want to get faster," Smith said. "I want to tone up my body more. I have to lose some weight and be ready to play bigger bodies in the Big East like Caron Butler (Connecticut)."

It's likely that someday Smith will have an impact for Boston College like Butler has had for Connecticut this season. They are different players for sure. Butler has the ability to go to the perimeter more but Smith is really developing that part of his game too.

It's safe to say that when Smith plays for Boston College next year, he will be a legitimate candidate for Big East rookie of the year.