One favorite for Ramar Smith

Super-athletic shooting guard Ramar Smith attracted quite a number of coaches to M.L. King High School in Detroit, Mich., during the fall evaluation period despite the fact that he is also playing cornerback on the gridiron. Smith, 6-foot-1, 181-pounds, has a couple offers but does not yet have one from his favorite.

"I like Cincinnat, Georgetown, Michigan State and Arkansas,” said Smith, the No. 24 ranked player in the class of 2006. “Michigan State and Arkansas have offered, but right now, Cincinnati is my leader."

As to a list of schools that came by his school this fall, the list is longer than Smith can remember.

"Coaches from Illinois, UConn, Ohio State, Michigan State, Arkansas and a few others that I can’t remember came to see me workout,” said Smith.

With the NBA as his ultimate goal, Smith feels that Cincinnati has a system where his game can flourish.

"I like the way they let you play your game,” he said. “They give their guards a lot of freedom. I also like their style of play. They push the ball whenever they can.

"I’m looking for a school that likes to get up and down the floor. I’m also looking for a very good coach that can help me make it to the NBA."

Smith, who runs with The Family in the summer, does indeed thrive in transition. He loves to recklessly attack the basket and has a knack for being around the ball defensively. Somewhat of a tweener between the two guard positions, Smith needs to play a little more cautious with ball as a point guard and improve his outside shot as a shooting guard.

"I need to work on getting my shot more consistent,” he said. “I’m also in the weight room trying to get stronger.”