Smith: Will Visit Four Schools
J.R. Smith, the talented offensive wing from St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, N.J., stated he will likely take four official visits before he makes his decision.
"Connecticut is out," Smith said. "They just weren't right for me. So I cut my list to four schools -- North Carolina, North Carolina State, Syracuse and Pittsburgh."
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Smith told us that he plans to take official visits to North Carolina, N.C. State and Pittsburgh and maybe Syracuse in the fall. North Carolina, North Carolina State and Pittsburgh have offered.
Syracuse is a bit of a wild card on Smith's list. A member of the Orangemen coaching staff contacted Playaz Basketball Club coach Jim Salmon regarding Smith, and since that time, J.R. has spoken with SU Asst. Coach Troy Weaver.
"I figured why not, it's Syracuse," Smith explained. "Coach Boeheim, they play zone and have a great offense, plus I have three of my former teammates up there -- Demetris Nichols, Terrence Roberts and Darryl Watkins."
Smith added: "North Carolina is still my leader. But I want to take a look at the other schools before I decide."
Smith said he wants to give the other schools a chance. "I wouldn't commit just off one visit," he said. "I would go to Pittsburgh or N.C. State just to see what they are like -- it could be better than North Carolina. You never know, every school isn't a fit for each person."
There are some external factors that could impact Smith's decision. He said he would love to attend college with either Shaun Livingston or Rudy Gay. Livingston and Smith are both listing UNC, while Gay and Smith are both considering Syracuse.
"I am very close with both of them," Smith said. "Carolina is pushing to get two scholarships, so if it works out, that if Shaun commits before I do, then I am going, just off Shaun, because Shaun is a great player and I love playing with him."
Smith played with Livingston at the ABCD Senior All-Star game last month. A few of Livingston's 13 dimes resulted in thunderous slam dunks by Smith that evening.
"I just fell in love with how he plays," Smith said. "He would rather pass the ball than shoot the ball, and he's a great point guard who can get in between the press."
Smith became well acquainted with Gay this spring. "Rudy is a winner," Smith said. "I played against him three or four times now, and we go at it and get into it, but not serious. He's pretty competitive."
While Smith has indicated pretty consistently over the past few weeks that he wanted to take official trips before he verbals, he held open the door on making a decision before he visits any campus. "I could make a decision before I do that," he said. "It's possible."
When asked what school he would pick if he decided not to take any visits, he stated: "I don't want to say right now."
-- Russ Blake made a significant contribution to this story. Blake publishes JucoJunction on the Rivals network.