Memphis sophomore has big talent

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THE LIST: Class of 2016 Top 35

For now, most people know the No. 5 sophomore in the country Dedric Lawson by his given name. But, those around him refer to him as "Smoove" and the nickname is likely going to catch as more people see him and learn about his game.

A 6-foot-8 combo forward at Memphis (Tenn.) Hamilton, Lawson is a highly skilled and very fluid offensive player. He and his teammates are at the beginning of a strong schedule that has them traveling all over and he likes the exposure that it will bring to his city.

"I want the guys in Memphis to get better exposure," Lawson told Rivals.com. "We can get it coming out and playing against top guys."

Being more specific about himself, Lawson is confident in his game. He can shoot with range, he can handle the ball and he plays with a style that is easy for fans to like. His favorite players are Paul George and Kevin Durant but while he likes them, he knows that he is not a pure wing like them just yet.

"I would say I'm a skilled four who can spread the floor," said Lawson. "I can post up when I need to and I can knock down shots when I need to."

While Lawson says that he is open in his recruitment, it is important to consider that his older brother Keelon Lawson -- No. 25 in 2015 -- is a Memphis commitment and that Josh Pastner and the Tigers have done a good job of keeping local talent home.

Lawson admits that Memphis is putting the most effort into recruiting him but others are showing him interest and his brother isn't pushing him too hard.

"He isn't really too caught up into it," said Lawson of whether or not his older brother is pushing him to commit to Memphis. "He just committed to stay focused and worry about his grades and getting a high ACT grade."

Firmly on the radar as one of 2016's elite players, Lawson says that he is in no rush to decide. When he does pick, he wants to make sure that he fit is right so that he doesn't end up in a position where he has to transfer.

"I need a school that plays the way I play and fits me," said Lawson. "Most schools that guys go to when they end up transferring it's because it doesn't fit them. I want to go to a school that is going to fit me and make me better after college and a better person."

Eric Bossi is the national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.

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