Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Mason Smith
Class: 2024
Committed to: Mercer
What He Brings:
We remember when Mercer was checking out Smith at the LIVE Period during the summer, and they were relentless in their pursuit of the 6’7 prospect from Davidson Day. Smith has really risen up the ranks and really started to earn the attention of scouts around, as he continued to show his ability to be a threat from the outside as well as using his size in a variety of other ways. Smith has a quick and fluid shot, as he can let it fly and light it up from deep; something he has shown countless times. At his size, he can be tough in rising over defenders and stretching the court, but also can make plays off the dribble, help on the boards, and impact the game in several ways. Mercer continued to recruit Smith hard throughout, and it paid off with his commitment.
What Has Been Said:
“He is a 6’7 forward that showcases a nice skill set to his game, one that is capable of operating and making his presence felt on the boards and around the paint but also skilled enough to be a consistent threat from outside with his jumper. He did a nice job in showing that at the Fall League, showing more of his feel and IQ for the game, how he has developed as a player, and how effective he can be from multiple levels at his size. Smith was consistently posting double-digit outings and taking advantage of the mismatches he had on the court, and I have a feeling he is going to be a name that pops up a lot more this year and into next summer.”
“Typically, when we talk about elite marksmen, we tend to focus more on guards. This makes sense, as (historically) smaller guards are granted the freedom and liberty to take more perimeter jumpers than someone with size. However, the 6-foot-7 Smith deserves to be regarded among the top shooters throughout North Carolina—regardless of class or position. We’d seen him previously with Hough, where he showcased a smooth, versatile, inside-out offensive game. He displayed the ability to effectively coexist alongside another big man and exploit mismatches in a calculated manner. After a quality junior year, Smith has been turning heads quite regularly during the current travel ball season. He recently joined Team Charlotte and decided to transfer to Davidson Day—where he’s already asserted himself as a clear leader for this group.”
“2024 Mason Smith (Phenom ESA) is a player that should have opened more eyes in what he can do and provide on the floor. Step out and spread the floor, knock down shots but also be effective in the paint at times.”