Ridiculous numbers for unknown Texas forward

A lot of players put up big numbers, and then there is 2006 prospect Malcom Smith from Trinidad (Texas) High School. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound small forward is averaging an impressive enough 30 points per game, but it is the 27 rebounds per game that is on the verge of ridiculous. Smith and his gaudy numbers have been relatively unknown, but that is destined to change.

"Malcom is the best athlete I have ever coached," said Trinidad head coach Tim Davis. "He can easily get both hands above the square. Put it this way, he scored 38 points the other night and had 12 dunks.

"He is in a small town at a small school and not a lot of people see him. And he is not playing the competition he would get elsewhere. But he is a great, raw athlete nonetheless."

As a sophomore, Smith was named to the 1A All-State team. Coach Davis said that area junior colleges are aware of Smith and his exploits and are recruiting him. The word has just not gotten out yet to the bigger schools.

"I know he can at least play small division one basketball," said Davis. "He is athletic enough to play at any level. He does need to develop his guard skills. Right now he can get a rebound and go down the court with it, and he can shoot the three. He does need to get better with his all around skills with the ball."

A testament to Smith being more than just a freak athlete is that he is shooting over 71 percent from the free throw line.

Smith has never played AAU basketball, but that will most likely change this summer. Team Texas is one of the AAU clubs that has inquired about Smith.

Coach Davis also noted that Smith is an A/B student and should have no problem qualifying.