JNixon-Iggy9’s Countdown to the Draft: 60 Prospect in 30 Days (56&55)

56: Greg Smith, 6’10 250, SO., C/PF, Fresno State

Greg Smith is the 2nd potential NBA player from Fresno State in the last 2 years, playing with Paul George, the 9th overall pick in the 2010 draft. You would think with the talent Fresno State has had, they would have at least garnered a winning record over that time. They haven’t, and it causes concern to some decision makers. Physically, Smith is gifted to put it mildly. He’s a legit 6’10 250 C/PF with long arms, HUGE hands, and nice physical strength. He’s a solid athlete with great fluidity and smoothness, but only decent explosiveness and quickness. Can run the floor. He’s one of the best physical presences in the draft in the frontcourt. So what’s not to like??

Offensively, Smith shows decent but raw ability in the low post. He has the frame to establish position, a foundation of moves (jump hook with both hands, and a spin moves to his left hand to counter) that show potential, and he has the hands and length to catches passes far away from his body. He gets in and out of his moves fluidity in move cases, and shows nice touch. He’s not that explosive though, and even though he has some moves he can go to, he’s not very polished with them just yet. Fresno was poorly coached and unorganized offensively over the last 2 years, so maybe he didn’t feel confident with the spacing sometimes on the floor. Was decisive at times getting into his moves and shows natural tools putting the ball on the floor. Clearly was at his best when he just made quick decisions with the ball, but also took a while to decide what he wanted to do at times, which might be were spacing comes into play. A decent passer down low, but could improve decisions and how to handle doubles and weakside D. Can play in the pick and roll, as he has the feet and frame to screen and get to the rim and finish. For someone with his physical tools and body, he struggles with physical play and contact a little too much. Doesn’t seem to be all that tough. Not a banger. Even though he didn’t see many chances to shoot at Fresno State, he looks to have the touch to develop a 15 foot jumper in time. If he does, his offensive game will expand and he could be somewhat of a factor in the triple threat. Clearly has some upside offensively, and even though he’s raw he does show potential.

On D Smith is not anything worth note, as was the case for his whole team for the last 2 years. He once again has the tools and look of a guy who is a great factor on D, but he doesn’t have the awareness, toughness or urgency of a good defender. Can be beaten by far less superior athletes and players with basic moves and fakes. He is an OK shot-blocker at the WAC level at just over 1 a night, but he doesn’t really stand-out for a guy with his tools at all. Simply put, it’s about effort and knowing your matchups with him, because right now he just doesn’t play smart D and gives pretty iffy effort too.

As a physical specimen, Greg Smith is a sure-fire 1st round pick. As a player, despite having raw talent and the ability to grow, Smith didn’t improve at all from his Freshman to Sophomore year, and he was supposed to shoulder the load for a team that lost a good amount of top-tier talent for a mid-major. Smith right now is a good body with little in the way of actual NBA-ready skill. He has potential, but not promise, if you see what I mean. His problems on D make matters worse, as he probably wasn’t coached well, but he also shows less than ideal effort. He’s a guy you stash in the D-League for a while to monitor development.

55: David Lighty Jr, 6’5 220, SF/SG, Ohio State, SR.

Didn’t it seem like Lighty Jr was in college for EVER? He was a part of the 06 Ohio State recruiting class, one of the best classes ever, that went to the Title game in their 1st year. After a career that was derailed by injury early on, Lighty just finished a 5th year in college while being a main contributor on a Ohio State team that was the best team in college basketball for most of the year. Physically Lighty has the height of an average NBA SG probably, but the strength and frame of a SF at a sturdy 220 lbs. His length also appears to be at least decent. Athletically, after dealing with some ACL and foot injuries earlier in his career, it took him a while to reach his optimum level of athleticism he showed in HS, but he showed that he had gained it back as a Sr. He’s a functional 2-foot leaper, with solid speed, OK quickness and decent explosiveness. His size will allow him to defend SG’s and SF’s.

Offensively, Lighty is a physical player who plays highly unselfish and plays within himself. He’s 1st and foremost, a solid shooter when spotting up and shows some ability to pull-up on 2 or 3 bounces if he has to. Rarely takes a bad shot, and won’t shoot when tightly contested. Has a solid mid-range game. Not a creative ball-handler and will not be asked to create many shots off the dribble against NBA defenders, but he drives low and has the strength to take contact and get up shots. Tough slasher who’s time playing PF is evident when he’s faced against slim or non-physical wings. Will struggle to finish at the rim in traffic somewhat against length. A solid passer who makes steady decisions and doesn’t force anything. Saw some time as a PG for Ohio State in spurts. Good offensive rebounder. Very versatile guy who will do anything to help win. High basketball IQ and a winning attitude.

On D, Lighty also excels. He’s fundamentally sound, versatile, tough and strong. He’s not a super athlete like some guys, but he works hard and plays smart. Contests everything and denies penetration well using his body and feet. Does a good job of knowing his matchup. Possibly the most savvy perimeter defender in the draft. Solid rebounder. Has defended everything from PG-PF at the college level, but has the size to only defend SG and SF now. Still, he has a mature approach to the defensive end that coaches will like.

Lighty Jr. is the classic overachiever, a guy who isn’t that talented or gifted in any special way, but who works hard, is versatile, plays the game the right way and is a proven winner. He could play an Arron Afflalo-type role for a coach that wants a 5th option player who plays good D and makes smart decisions on the coach. He seems to be more mature than the average rookie, and he doesn’t have that many weak points in his game. He’s solid across the board. I’d love to see him be a long-term NBA player and make an impact. He deserves it.