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Closer Look: Dennis Smith Jr.

Despite missing his final season of high school basketball due to injury, Dennis Smith Jr.’s dominance from freshman to junior year turned heads in North Carolina.

In addition to Smith Jr.’s career-high 42-point effort and a near 22 points per game average as a junior, the crafty guard earned the Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year award for his hometown state.

A five-star recruit, revisiting the 6-foot-3 guard’s high school highlights brings up an array of athleticism that’s rarely seen from the point guard position.

 

 

Despite a year hiatus from the hardwood due to his senior year ACL injury, Dennis returned to form in his lone collegiate season. Building upon his skill set, Smith Jr. displayed dynamic scoring, playmaking and defensive potential throughout his time with North Carolina State.

Scoring 30-plus points in four contests, including a standout 32-point, six-assist and four-rebound outing versus powerhouse Duke, the playmaking point continually built upon his Draft stock.

As a member of the Wolfpack, the 19-year-old averaged 18 points, nearly five rebounds and six assists per game.