Russ Smith
Age: 23 years old
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 165 pounds
Position: Guard
NBA Comparison: Patrick Beverley
His senior year may not have ended on a high note like his junior one did, but make no mistake about it. Russ Smith is a proven commodity in college, having played all four years and growing not only as a player but also as a leader. Those instincts were on full display this year, and he did not disappoint. The question remains: can Smith get it done in the NBA?
Strengths
Russ Davis is simply a terror on both sides of the ball. His aggressive style of play can catch many a defender off guard, as he has a variety of ways to score and be effective on offense. His superstar abilities were put on display in last year’s NCAA Tournament, when Louisville defeated Michigan for the National Championship. He went from 18.7 points per game in the 2012-13 regular season to 22.3 in the tournament. His scoring was there, as was his speed and fierce, gritty play. He even teased going in the 2013 NBA Draft, but ultimately decided to return for one last campaign. This season saw the senior guard score 18.2 points per game on 46 percent from the field. His three-point decision-making was effective, as he improved from 32% to 38%. Smith also poured in almost 5 assists per game as well (4.6).
He is incredible in transition with elite agility and lateral quickness. His toughness is noted by many due to his talent exceeding his stature. Smith has great control of the ball when dribbling, allowing him to hesitate at a moment’s notice before getting in the paint for a bucket or free throws…or both. His effort is always there, and no matter what he will never back down, give up or take a play off. He has improved overall as a player throughout his career and shows great maturity and poise on the biggest of stages.
Smith’s aggression and stature bring to mind a pitbull-like guard in Houston: Patrick Beverley. Beverley may step on some toes (literally and figuratively), but always comes to play and will make an impact whether it is on the box score or simply having his fingerprints over the entire game. Players may not like him, but that’s not his goal as a player. Winning is, as it has been and will be for Smith.
Weaknesses
The aforementioned stature may be admirable with his dynamic skillset but also a hindrance of sorts. 6’0″ is incredibly small for any player in the league, even ones who can play beyond it. The 165 pounds is also a concern. His small stature affected his ability to finish at the rim at times. Smith will have to add muscle to his small frame if he wants to have a long career in the NBA. The added weight may effect his overall quickness, too. While aggressive and in-your-face on defense, Smith’s height also will present many a match-up problem to bigger and faster guards like Russell Westbrook, John Wall, etc. Smith’s lack of shooting consistency has been a knock, not just from the field but also from the line. He went from 80% in his junior year to 70% in his final season. He’ll be looked at as a point guard due to his size, but his tendencies scream two guard. A minor knock will also be his age (23), as there are plenty of skilled young point guards in the 2014 NBA draft.
I have Smith as a mid to late second round pick: as high as 45 and as low as, well…60. He still has some polishing to do on his game, and his height and weight are what also put him in that spot.
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