Combine Academy has continued their winning ways this season, much like they did last year, and now are in the national spotlight. But there shouldn’t any surprise with a roster loaded with Division I talent on the court. One of those guys has been 2022 6’5 AJ Smith, a new name to the program but a familiar one around the state of North Carolina.
Coming from Hickory Grove, the prolific scorer took some time to find his way into his role with this group, finding where he could be most effective, and learning from one of the top coaches around in head coach Jeff McInnis.
After a little while though, Smith has been playing at a high level for Combine, consistently putting up numbers and understanding where he is at his best on the court. Combine has talented guards that can knock down shots, along with wings that get out transition, and bigs that can make a statement down in the paint. Smith though brings something else to this team with his game. A 6’5, sturdy and strong guard, Smith does a tremendous job in being a driver and getting downhill, playing with a terrific physical feel on the court. He also does a nice job embracing contact and finishing around the rim; he also is one that wants to learn and wants to compete.
So far this season, Smith has been averaging 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 52 percent from the floor and 42 percent from three this season.
If you have watched him play, you can see that Smith has grown and developed his game while at Combine Academy, getting a better understanding of how he can be effective with this team. It seems to be helping, as this is a program that has been clicking extremely well late into the season and racking up some impressive wins. It is also why more schools are starting to show interest his way.
Phenom’s Recent Thoughts:
“He is so physical when attacking the basket. When he gets going downhill, he is very difficult to keep in front. He finishes as well as anyone when he gets all the way to the rim. In addition, he knocked down a nice turnaround jumper in the midrange. Also, he crashes the glass on the offensive end, creating second-chance opportunities for himself and others.” Game Recap can be found here