Recruiting Update: Luke Smith (2021 Willamette HS)
One of the stock risers as a junior was undoubtedly Luke Smith Luke Smith 6'3" | CG Willamette | 2021 State OR . The now 6-foot-3, 190-pound combo guard was thrust into a much bigger role at Willamette this past…
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Continue ReadingOne of the stock risers as a junior was undoubtedly Luke Smith Luke Smith 6'3" | CG Willamette | 2021 State OR . The now 6-foot-3, 190-pound combo guard was thrust into a much bigger role at Willamette this past season and he more than delivered as a leading man. Smith was an offensive force and while some college are starting to show some interest, he’s really hopeful that once he gets on the floor again his recruitment will get to even higher levels.
“I was really looking forward to meeting coaches this spring,” Smith said. “Now I’m just trying to get stronger, quicker, and working on my game.”
Smith certainly put up some serious numbers in 2019-20. He ended up finishing second in the state in 5A in scoring (22.9 ppg) while leading in free throw percentage (.902) and also ranking in the top ten in three-point field goal percentage (.414). An all-around scorer, Smith can knock them down from deep but also is able to use his body and strength to create off the dribble and overpower defenders in the paint.
No longer a secret, Smith noted that schools such as Bushnell, George Fox, Pacific, Western Oregon, Linfield, and Multnomah have all been in touch with him since with the season ended. He indicated that he’s probably talked to the coaches at Bushnell the most but has appreciated all of the interest.
“They like that I can score and understand the game, that I can play the one or two and shoot it well,” Smith said. “They’ve commented on my strength and ability to finish in the paint.”
Smith also carries a 3.97 GPA which obviously carries a lot of cachet. He’s staying open with his recruitment, looking forward to when he can get on the court again with the Oregon Prospects in AAU action, for which he continues to prepare for. “I have been working on my ball-handling, getting my body stronger, and better cardio,” Smith said. “I also have been working on my shot, specifically pull-ups.”
Smith currently ranks as the #13 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2021 rankings.