Five-star Javonte Smart commits to LSU

Javonte Smart, a five-star rising senior, committed to LSU on Friday afternoon, becoming another huge win for the early tenure of the Will Wade era in Baton Rouge. The first member of the 2018 class to pledge to the Tigers, Smart chose the SEC program over Oklahoma State, UCLA, Kansas, Florida State, and Kentucky.

A strong, sturdy and well-recruited prospect since stepping foot onto a high school, Smart is the type of guard that can impact a college program from day one. Thanks to his physical stature as he stands over 6-foot-3, Smart has become a much better shooter in recent years, which should allow for dual point guard lineups placed onto the floor alongside recently committed 2017 guard Tremont Waters.

Running with the Houston Hoops 17-under unit this summer, Smart has been the model of efficiency where has made close to half of his field goal tries, 40-percent of his perimeter attempts and sports close to a 2-to-1, assistant-to-turnover ratio.

Averaging over 15 points, four rebounds and four assists on the Nike circuit, Smart spoke on what he likes most about the SEC program. “He just likes winning and I like winning too,” he said. “He's young so there's a lot to grow into.”

The first commitment in the 2018 class for LSU, the Tigers have now been able to land the best prospect from the state of Louisiana for the fourth consecutive year.