Rising 2019 guard Smith IV talks top choices
CERRITOS, Calif. – Priding himself on his shot-making abilities and sneaky athleticism at the basket, Charles Smith IV has had a breakout summer already. A top-100 prospect in the 2019 class, Smith has seen his stock soar in recent months thanks to his potential and shooting skills.
Playing alongside five-star guard Quentin Grimes this summer on the adidas circuit, the Basketball University two guard has been a magnet for college interest and scholarship offers.
Baylor, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Cal, Oklahoma State, USC and UCLA are among the programs involved.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Smith gave further insight on those in the mix.
Baylor: “It is close to home and we have a great relationship with Coach (Jerome) Tang, Coach (Scott) Drew, Coach (Alvin) Brooks and the rest of the coaching staff. They were telling me how they would use me in their system and implement me into what they are doing and telling me what I can do to get to the NBA.”
Oklahoma: “I like Oklahoma. I went up there last summer for a visit. We have a great relationship with Coach (Carlin) Hartman, Coach (Lon) Kruger and all of the coaches up there. They make you feel like a family. It is just a homey, loving environment. They also had Buddy Hield, who plays a similar position that I play, who is now in the league doing good, so they tell me how I could fill in his shoes if I go there.”
USC: “I visited there last week. I was talking to Coach (Jason) Hart and the rest of the coaches. They took us around the campus, showing us the playing style that they run, the up and down pace, and how the coaches are able to give their own input.”
UCLA: “We call them a lot and stay in touch with Coach (Duane) Broussard and he came and saw me play a couple of times last live period. They were just telling me that they have a lot of shooters that go to their program and they love big guards that can shoot and telling me how they can develop me and get me ready for the next level.”
WHAT'S NEXT
After visiting USC, California and Texas within recent weeks, Smith IV plans on finishing out his summer on the adidas circuit playing up with the 17-under Basketball University squad.
A college commitment is not planned for any time soon, but do expect more offers to roll in for the top-100 sophomore, who is moving from Texas to La Lumiere in Indiana in the fall for his junior high school campaign.
RIVALS' REACTION
Smith has already gotten out and seen a few of the more notable programs outside of his home in Texas. Given that he will be playing his junior year of high school ball in Indiana, Smith's recruitment should touch every region of the United States. However, look for some of the top local schools in the Big 12, like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Baylor, as well as Texas A&M, to have a final say when it comes time for Smith to select a college.
