Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Baton Rouge, LA (Future150) -- Written By: Zach Levine
Javonte Smart is a long and athletic combo guard who is currently ranked as the #7 overall prospect in the class of 2018. Future150.com recently spoke with the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native about his current AAU season and his progress as a player.
Smart has played in a number of tournaments already this year, including the Primetime Super 60 Tournament in New Orleans. There, he continued to show the elite court vision and athleticism that earned him that prestigious ranking.
“My favorite thing about playing in the tournaments is the competition,” Smart told Future150.com. “The Super 60 was my favorite tournament this year.”
The 6’4” guard has the ability to create offense for both himself and his teammates due to his tremendous handles and feel for the game. He thrives with the ball in his hands, but also moves well without it. His versatility doesn’t stop there either, as Smart is a gifted and willing passer.
The most noticeable change in his game, however, has been an increase in scoring. Smart has been scorching the nets this season for nearly 25 points per game.
“I try to model my game after Kevin Durant and Malik Newman,” said Smart. Durant was not only this year’s NBA Most Valuable Player, but also took home his fourth league scoring title. Newman, the #1 overall prospect in the class of 2015, is a prolific scoring guard who has been absolutely on fire this season.
“That’s what I do,” Smart added, “I’ve been scoring.”
He certainly has, and has also chipped in 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game as well. When asked what the strongest part of his game is, Smart told Future150.com that his pull-up jumpers off the dribble have been in prime form. Still, the star guard realizes there is plenty of work left to do.
“Mainly I’ve been working on my defense,” Smart said. “I’ve been working on attacking the basket, too.”
On the recruiting front, Smart has yet to be contacted by any schools, but that is sure to change as he enters high school and continues his career. His favorite college team is Kentucky, a school he would definitely like to be recruited by.
“I’m also interested in Oklahoma State and Baylor,” he added.
Smart’s young career is just taking off, and many more than those three programs are sure to come calling soon.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.