Smith: UNC Has Slight Lead
A few months ago, J.R. "Earl" Smith indicated that the Tar Heels of North Carolina would be hard to beat in his recruiting process. Smith continues to state that UNC leads in his recruiting but several other schools now have a shot at him too.
"I want to take a look at some other schools," said Smith, a 6-6 swingman from St. Benedict's High School in New Jersey. "I also don't want to go too far from home.
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"Syracuse has a great winning tradition," Smith said. "I want to go to a place where I will fit in and have a good time in college. I have always liked Syracuse."
It sounds like Smith will not go too far from home? "Yes, I want to stay around the East Coast," he said. "I want my family to be able to come to some games. I enjoy playing in front of my family and friends."
Smith said he is likely to take some visits during the summer and fall before making a decision. "Before I was thinking North Carolina all the way," Smith said. "But now I am looking at other schools. It's too close right now for me to make a decision."
Smith added: "I like Louisville a lot too. Coach (Rick) Pitino is a great coach. Look at what he has done already at Louisville. I like the style of play there too."
Smith also mentioned Pittsburgh as very strong in his process. "They have a chance to win it all this year," Smith said. "They have more great players coming in next year. Plus, they play in the Big East. North Carolina still has the edge but I am looking at these schools too."