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College Basketball: 10 freshmen to watch in 2016

By Nathaniel Reeves

High School Basketball: Portrait of Prolific Prep Academy Josh Jackson posing during photo shoot at United Center. Jackson is a 2016 McDonald's All American and is committed to the University of Kansas.Chicago, IL 3/29/2016CREDIT: Al Tielemans (Photo by Al Tielemans /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)(Set Number: SI300 TK1 )
High School Basketball: Portrait of Prolific Prep Academy Josh Jackson posing during photo shoot at United Center. Jackson is a 2016 McDonald's All American and is committed to the University of Kansas.Chicago, IL 3/29/2016CREDIT: Al Tielemans (Photo by Al Tielemans /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)(Set Number: SI300 TK1 ) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 03: Dennis Smith Jr.
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 03: Dennis Smith Jr. /

3. Dennis Smith Jr., PG, North Carolina State

Regarded as one of the best NC State prospects in a long time, Smith Jr. has a chance to put up huge numbers while running the show for the Wolfpack.

Mark Gottfried scored a huge recruiting coup when Smtih Jr. committed to NC State in September over in-state rivals Duke and North Carolina. Unfortunately, Smith Jr. tore his ACL a month before that and couldn’t finish out his prep career, but he seems to have made a full recovery.

Smith Jr. has plus size and a strong frame for a point guard at 6-3 and 195 pounds. His best athletic trait is his explosiveness, which helps Smith Jr. get to the rim and finish with authority.

That skill set plus great range allows Smith Jr. to be an effective scorer from any point on the floor. Smith Jr. is going to be a force in transition, and he generates a lot of acrobatic layups with great ball handling ability.

Scoring will be Smith Jr.’s main strength, but NBA scouts also love his ability to create plays for others. If Smith Jr. doesn’t score while slashing to the lane, look for him to distribute kick out passes to teammates while getting five-star center Omer Yurtseven involved.

Despite playing in his first competitive game in over a year, Smith Jr. piled up 22 points and six assists in 28 minutes in an exhibition against Lynn College. The class of 2016 is loaded with point guard talent, but Smith Jr. has the chance to become the clear top prospect at the position.