Smith: Its Up To UNC

J.R. Smith, a 6-5 swingman from St. Benedict's High School in New Jersey, has made it clear that he wants to play for Roy Williams and the North Carolina program. Smith, quoted in a local New Jersey paper yesterday, stated last night at the Three Stripes Tournament he meant what he said.

"If they offer me a scholarship I will end my recruiting then," Smith said. "North Carolina is my favorite school. I like the winning tradition. My favorite player was Michael Jordan."

North Carolina head coach Roy Williams was on hand to watch Smith compete in two pool games at the Three Stripes event. Williams had to like what he saw of Smith's performance, especially when J.R. grabbed a rebound with his right hand and slammed it home in one motion igniting a roar from the crowd. It might have been the dunk of the summer.

But Smith is more than a dunking machine. He possesses a nice outside shot and displayed a great deal of leadership on the court yesterday for the Playaz. "It's important to show your teammates you support them," Smith said of the North Carolina program. "I want to be a positive leader. That's what I am trying to do out there."

Smith succeeded in that category too yesterday at the Three Stripes. Smith is also considering Pittsburgh and Connecticut. Both Big East programs were also on hand to watch Smith play. "They haven't offered me," Smith said. "I don't know why."

After watching Smith play yesterday, UNC might reconsider their direction with Smith.