No timetable for Smith
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The top-ranked point guard in the class of 2016, Dennis Smith has proven himself time and again as an elite prospect. He keeps taking his game to a new level while taking his time with the recruiting process.
A 6-foot-2 point guard out of Fayetteville (N.C.) Christian who ranks No. 4 nationally in the class of 2016, Smith is a highlight waiting to happen when he has the ball in his hands. This spring, he's also been a winner, guiding his Team Loaded North Carolina squad to a title at last weekend's Adidas Gauntlet event in Indianapolis.
"What I've done well is what I've been working on and that's being a leader," said Smith. "I think I've done a good job of leading my guys by example and talking to them, being an extension of the coach on the court."
Maybe the most athletic point guard in the country, Smith plays above the rim and is able to shift into an extra gear with the ball in his hands that is nearly impossible to match on the high school level. He sees the floor, is a very good passer and has become dangerous with his jump shooting.
"It's just been repetition," said Smith. "I always had good mechanics, I just didn't shoot jump shots as much last year. I feel like I can take people to the rack when I want."
Of course, there's a frenzy to land Smith and he mentioned Louisville, N.C. State and North Carolina as programs that have turned up the intensity of their recruitment to go along with others like Duke, Kentucky and Kansas. Smith had the opportunity to play in front of those coaches and many more during April and admitted that he would check out who was watching.
"I look around before the game," said Smith. "I don't focus on it during the game, but I'm so thankful that coaches are out here to watch me, so I check them out before."
During the spring, Smith has teamed up with Washington (N.C.) Northside big man Edrice Adebayo, who currently ranks No. 8 in the class of 2016. The duo has terrific chemistry on the floor and Smith said they've had some talks about possibly playing together in college.
"Definitely, a lot of it," said Smith. "If it's the right fit for both of us."
Though there is no shortage of high level programs that would gladly take a commitment from Smith today, he is in no rush. He has seen the way some of 2015's top prospects have taken their recruitments well into the spring and doesn't know if he'd rather end it early or follow in the footsteps of 2015 stars like Cheick Diallo or Jaylen Brown.
"I guess that's tough to say," said Smith. "I can see what they are doing with waiting to see where everybody goes. I'll never know with what the best situation for me is and how quick it will open up.
"I'm looking for a guard oriented situation and I have to have a great relationship with the head coach."
