2027 6’5 LJ Smith has clearly put himself as one of the premier prospects in the Class of 2027 here in North Carolina, already breaking records and earning big-time offers from programs around the country. But this just may be the start of what is to come, as he ahs a chance to continue to make history as well as earn big-time offers from nearby and around the country.
Phenom Hoops was able to catch up with Smith at the Phenom March Madness, to talk about his record-breaking sophomore season at Lincolnton, his focus on this summer, and ALL the latest in his recruitment. Check out what he had to say.
Phenom: How would you look back at this high school season and how it went from your perspective?
Smith: The season went well. We finished good but did come up short. I broke the sophomore scoring record, and now I’m just looking to take my game from high school to summer ball, get stronger and faster, get more consistent with my shot, and attack more downhill.
Phenom: What does it mean to you to break that sophomore scoring record?
Smith: It was big because a lot of people don’t get a chance to break the record, and it was a big record to break.
Phenom: What is your focus overall with CP3 and summer ball?
Smith: I definitely want to improve on my defense for sure and become an even more lethal shooter, knocking down shots, rebounding more, and other areas.
Phenom: Offense comes so easy for you. How do you pride yourself on being such a lethal weapon offensively and what areas are you hoping to add?
Smith: Looking to add more of my mid-range game, which will allow more of my three-ball. Just really open my game up from the defensive end to the offensive end.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game in your own words?
Smith: A great catch-and-shoot player, get downhill, can shoot off the dribble, help on the boards and push the ball, and make good passes.
Phenom: Recruitment has been heating up. What schools have officially offered you? What have they said, and have you made any visits to them?
Smith: Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, Kansas, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and a couple more. Georgia, Tennessee, Kansas, and others have been staying strong with me. They like how I create for myself and my shot-making, as well as my ability to get downhill. I took visits to Tennessee and Georgia.
Phenom: What stood out from your Georgia visit and what did they say?
Smith: It is a great school and a great atmosphere. I was able to attend a football game and a basketball game, getting a good chance to see it all.
Phenom: What was your Tennessee visit like?
Smith: I went down for practice, got a chance to tour the campus, and see how everything is ran there. Coach Gainey has been my main recruiter. We have been able to build a strong relationship.
Phenom: Interest-wise, North Carolina has been coming your way. Coach Lebo came and saw you, while also making visits to Chapel Hill twice. What has been the latest with them?
Smith: Coach Davis said that they would be coming to watch me during the AAU season. It is a great school with great coaches.
Read more here: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2027-lj-smith-excited-about-upcoming-unc-visit/
Phenom: How was your Duke visit?
Smith: I went when they played Auburn; it was a great atmosphere.
Phenom: You have had a chance to see UNC and Duke, and obviously the rivalry they have. What is your excitement about just having them to coming your way?
Smith: It has been amazing, something I have never experienced before (when talking about his visits), and something I want to keep experiencing.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing interest your way?
Smith: Clemson has been another. They have a great school, great campus, and tremendous coaches. They play hard and play together.
Phenom: Any other visits you have made?
Smith: Wake Forest. They have been showing interest. I went on a visit when they played Duke. They have been saying they want to come watch me play more.