Standout player from Elite 14: Shemar Smith
UCO commit Shemar Smith (2019 Norman North F) had an impressive summer with Team Griffin 17U. Smith looks to cap off career at Norman North with a Gold Ball run. With some new guys playing bigger roles this year, Smith’s expectations will be higher. He started off his senior year the right way at the Elite 14 Showcase last weekend. Here’s why:
Strength
The high point of Smith’s game, in my opinion, is his strength. Playing against top-tier athletes from Texas schools, Smith showcased an impressive ability to explode into rebounds, get put-backs, and overpower opposing players in any regard. He’s always been somewhat of a “tweener,” to me, meaning that it’s hard to categorize him as either a forward or as a wing, exclusively; he’s really more of a combo. He shoots well but has also developed an even stronger post game than he has previously had. Of course, this is a good problem to have, and it will be interesting to see how he is utilized in the upcoming season.
Versatility
I believe that the best leaders are often the most versatile players on the floor due to their ability to see the floor from the aspect of every other player. Smith’s aforementioned versatility will be a huge asset to this team, I believe. He’s becoming more versed in pretty much every aspect of his game, offensively and defensively. His developed strength and speed showed in his scoring at the Elite 14.
Tenacity
I’ve always enjoyed watching the way Shemar plays; the Elite 14 only further proved his drive and tenacity Saturday. He’s a relentless ball-guy and it shows the most when he’s on the defensive side of the ball. He’s likely to always be a catalyst on scoring runs when he’s on the floor. He protects the rim and creates defense and plays with a reckless, by any means necessary approach. He does not ever want to get beat by something easy. Opposing players will have to really ball out to beat him.