Darius Smith PG 2009 (UConn commit)

[Blue_N_White]

Darius Smith

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/DARIUSSMITH4_25150.JPG
http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gif

http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gif (FOUR Star)...according to Scout.

Graded out at 89 by ESPN (same grade that they have for Jon Hood)

Point guard
Chicago (IL) Marshall
AAU: Illinois Warriors
Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 170 lbs
Shooting: Developing
Rebounding: Good
Handle: Outstanding
Passing: Good
Strength: Good
Class: 2009 (High School)


Rivals150 for class of 2009 (113) (http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1642)
2009: Point Guards (19) (http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1911)

Scout class of 2009 (91) (http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&yr=2009&cfg=bb)
2009: Shooting Guards (21) (http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&pid=41&yr=2009)


Current List: Arizona, Arizona State, DePaul, Indiana, Kentucky, Marquette, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota


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[Blue_N_White]

The Latest: Darius Smith lights it up at MLK Dream Classic (http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=902944) — 1/21/2009
Not many big time prospects from the senior class are still on the market and that is why high major colleges including Indiana are among those teams that have recently scouted Chicago Marshall point guard Darius Smith....[details (http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=902944)]


Rivals (3 Star, #19 PG, #113 overall): http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=73641&Sport=2

Scout (4 Star, #21 SG, #91 overall): http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=2431543

ESPN (Grade of 89, #40 SG): http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=42832&season=2009

[chworld22]

It is interesting that one site has him as a SG and the other has him at PG.

[Blue_N_White]

It is interesting that one site has him as a SG and the other has him at PG.

Yeah, from what I've been reading about him....it sounds like he is really a "combo" guard....but projects to be a pure point guard in college.

Seems that, at his high school, he is the starting SHOOTING guard. BUT....because he has such good handles (handles the ball extremely well), has good court vision, and is such a good passer.....but is kind of short for a 2 guard (6'2") nearly all of the scouts "project him to be" a point guard in college.

He's also supposed to be a lock down defender....which would serve him well guarding other team's point guards at the collegiate level..... :thumbup:

[Blue_N_White]

This is only one shot....but this is really all I could find of Smith on YouTube :icon_lol: (other than one of him making a dunk in what looks like a local high school dunk contest)

It's a three pointer. Reportedly the first bucket scored this year by his H.S. team, which is the defending state champion....

YouTube - Marshall HS (Chicago) star senior Darius Smith 3 pointer

[chworld22]

Yeah, from what I've been reading about him....it sounds like he is really a "combo" guard....but projects to be a pure point guard in college.

Seems that, at his high school, he is the starting SHOOTING guard. BUT....because he has such good handles (handles the ball extremely well), has good court vision, and is such a good passer.....but is kind of short for a 2 guard (6'2") nearly all of the scouts "project him to be" a point guard in college.

He's also supposed to be a lock down defender....which would serve him well guarding other team's point guards at the collegiate level..... :thumbup:

He looks pretty good to me. This year has made it clear that we are in need of a pure PG.

[RCS]

He has a nice quick release. I think some kids struggle with the transition from HS to college because they do not have a fast enough release. It is a major weapon being able to catch and release quickly on outside shots.

[wildcatfever1]

Yeah he dus look pretty good. I hope we get him...

[Blue_N_White]

Here is an article posted in a blog devoted to Chicago Hoops (chicagohoops.com). These are people posting who are in the Chicago area, and are very familiar with the players in the Chicago area and the state of Illinois. Here is what those who are posting on this blog article think about Darius Smith:

http://forums.chicagohoops.com/viewtopic.php?t=18958&highlight=darius+smith

[I. Melvin]

Thanks, Blue.

Always interesting to see what others see. Sounds like he might be that "lead guard" Billy's been pining for.

[Blue_N_White]

Thanks, Blue.

Always interesting to see what others see. Sounds like he might be that "lead guard" Billy's been pining for.

You're welcome :thumbup:

I agree. Sounds like Smith could be the real deal, and that lead guard we've ALL been pining for! It's a shame that Chicago is so far away and such a big city with ridiculous traffic....otherwise I'd try to catch a game of his :icon_lol:

Oh well...maybe if he's undeclared in April (which it sounds like he will be) he'll get an invitation to play in the Derby Classic in Louisville and I can check him out then ;)

[Ukosumu]

February 19, 2009
Kentucky remains in mix for Chicago star (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=914759&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)

As stated he appears to be on the top of the coaching staff's wish list.

[poodoo]

February 19, 2009
Kentucky remains in mix for Chicago star (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=914759&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)

As stated he appears to be on the top of the coaching staff's wish list.

As always, thanks so much for your efforts, uksumu. Too, I'm keeping my fingers crossed in regard to Mr. Smith's becoming a Cat. :5x

[Blue_N_White]

When will the rosters for the Derby Classic be released?

I'd like to see Smith invited and listed on a roster. If he is, and he's still undecided by that time but considering Kentucky...I may try to make this year's Classic. I enjoyed last year's, and rooted hard for Majok, McCoy, and Sutton (even though none signed with the Cats).....

[htb0089]

yea, this kid is the real deal my cousin who visited up towards chigaco last summer got a chance to see him play and said he made defenders look silly.....lol