Recruiting Report: Ben Smith (2019)
Ben Smith is a 6-foot-6, 2019 wing from Edmond Santa Fe. Smith plays in the Under Armour Association for Oklahoma Run PWP. Earlier this spring Smith picked up his first NCAA Division I offer from Tulsa. Playing for Oklahoma Run PWP Smith has been able to showcase his skill set as a Wing. At Edmond Santa Fe Smith plays more of the stretch four role. Grassroots basketball allows him to show colleges what he will more than likely play at the next level on the Wing.
Smith has the ability to defend at the college level. Offensively, his explosiveness allows him to be a force near the rim. Smith also believes his passing is a key point of his game. To hang with Division I defenders, Smith’s all-around offensive attack will need to elevate. The biggest area he has to improve is his jumper.
“I need to work on shooting the ball and handling a little bit more,” Smith evaluated.
Smith is comfortable playing on a big stage, a trait that will serve him well at the next level. In the 2018 State Quarterfinal, Smith finished a tough put-back in the final seconds of the game to take a 2-point lead and secure a victory over Putnam City West. On the following night, he finished with 10 points and seven rebounds against no. 1 Broken Arrow to help his team reach the State Championship.
Smith, going into his senior summer, plans to become “a more complete player” and nail down his recruiting process. Smith holds a single offer from The University of Tulsa but has received attention recently from Colorado, Northern Colorado, Louisiana Tech, and UTSA.
Smith also has a 3.7 GPA in the classroom and possesses the ability to handle the academic stresses of being a student-athlete at a Division I institution. Grades add to his intrigue in the 2019 Class. Smith has a monster July ahead of him as he looks to prove himself to colleges.
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