Recruiting Report: AJ Smith
Arian “AJ” Smith Jr. – 6’5 W/F
Hughes STEM High School- Class of 2018
1st Team All-Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference
12.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 48% FG
Floor/Ceiling: D-II+
What a past seven months it has been for Hughes junior AJ Smith. The wing/forward was part of a team that finished with an undefeated conference record and also had an 18-game win streak during the season and into the playoffs. On an individual note, Smith was also named 1st team All-Conference as well. Smith took all of the accolades well when asked about them during our phone interview. “It was definitely humbling and shocking, I felt very blessed,” Smith stated when asked about the 1st team All-Conference honor. But Smith is looking to build upon that momentum and take even greater strides in during the AAU season.
The junior is looking forward to playing AAU this summer with Team One and Coach Darrell Brockman. “A lot of the guys on our team grew up playing together, so our team chemistry is really good,” AJ states. During the AAU season Smith plans on showing his versatility to college coaches, which was his best strength during the high school season. “I played the 2-5 during the season,” Smith stated. “And the only reason I didn’t see any time at point is because we had Corry Long and Giovanni Santiago.” As for areas of improvement over the summer, Smith stated that ball-handling and footwork are two major areas of improvement.
Smith is a very intriguing player. While his numbers may not stand out his versatility, toughness and willingness to play multiple positions should put AJ on the radar of many college programs. Lipscomb, Ohio and Stetson are some of the programs who have showed interest in the senior-to be, that list could grow this summer. It is all up to Smith to make that happen.