Strengths: 7-footer who shows solid mobility, able to run the court with no problems Active player who constantly works the blocks to get open Has developed into an above average rebounder Underrated post passer who does a good job of recognizing double teams and reacting to them Fundamentally sound player with few bad habits Does a good job of keeping the ball high and not putting it on the floor after receiving the ball For his size Smith is an adequate ball handler Once Smith gets position in the post he makes his body wide giving his guards a bigger target Great post footwork, and moves with good fluidity Offensively he has range out to 18 feet when facing the basket Excels at taking advantage of size mismatches Back to the basket skills are still developing but have improved greatly Owns a nice turnaround jumper in the post Mobility allows him to be a sufficient help defender Shows good touch around the basket where he is a solid finisher Better athlete than he’s given credit for as he is more than capable of getting off the floor quickly Does a great job of creating contact and getting to the free throw line

Weaknesses: Back to the basket moves have greatly improved but are still very much a work in progress Needs to continue to add more upper body strength Struggles to establish position against physical defenders as he can easily get pushed off the blocks Rebounding has improved greatly this year but he needs to focus on boxing out better Doesnt always finish strong after absorbing contact Above average shot blocker in college but likely will not be as fortunate in the NBA Will need to upgrade his foot speed while adding weight, which could be a challenge Athletic opponents tend to frustrate him defensively on the perimeter Needs to take care of the ball better when making offesnive moves Doesnt shy away from contact but certainly does not seek it out Lacks the killer instinct to consistently dominate games

Strengths: Burst onto the scene in 2004-05 (his freshman year) after not being heavily recruited … Improved incredibly in one year … Very agile 7 footer… Good hands and shows a developing inside game … Excellent athlete, with good touch … Quick feet and good explosiveness … Plays with a high level of energy and aggressiveness … Has a good understanding of the game … Strong fundamentally, nice touch on his shot … Doesn’t try to do too much, plays within himself … Displays a competitive spirit that will spell success on the next level … Decent shot blocker with good timing … Shows the potential to become an inside outside forward …

Weaknesses: Still weak physically. Must put on another 15-20 pounds of muscle … Added strength will make him a more formidable defender and rebounder … Free throw shooting can improve … Must develop a reliable go to move … Become more consistent … Needs to demand the ball more in clutch situations … Has yet to face the pressure of being the man for his team, must assume that role next season … Still has a long way to go to fill his potential, must stay focused …

Notes: MWC Freshman of the Year after averaging 10.5 pts. and 5.8 rebs. per game … Should assume a much larger role next year with center Matt Nelson’s graduation.