Already regarded as one of the top players in South Carolina for his class and ranked by several outlets as one of the best players in the country, 2022 Perry Smith Jr. has the attention of college coaches all around the country.
He recently picked up a few more offers from Marquette and Presbyterian, giving him seven total offers right now. With a mixture of a few SEC schools along with others, Smith is grateful for everything that has come his way.
Playing at Legacy Early this past season, Smith played with and against some of the best talent, giving him opportunities to showcase his talent at an elite level. His recruitment has only grown with those opportunities, and more should be coming his way.
So what has been the latest with Smith? We dive into that with him, including who has been showing a lot of interest his way, what his thoughts on his latest offer, and much more.
How has everything been going for you and what did this past season do for you playing at LEC?
Smith: I have been playing and practicing against the top players in the country since I was a freshman. Playing at Legacy has allowed me to go against the best daily and really develop as a player. My dream is to play pro ball and be one of the best that ever played the game. LEC has helped to expose me on a national level and my potential has been seen by many high-major schools, so I’m grateful.
How do you think you have improved your game over the past year or so?
Smith: I believe that my game and my body is continuing to improve. I’m hitting the weights hard and practicing on my game daily with personal trainers. I have always been a hard worker and this year has taught me how to be a better team player. But individually, my rebounding, my moto, my shot, and my ball-handling have improved. I’m working on being more explosive and having a quicker first step to get to the basket.
How has your recruitment been going for you?
Smith: All the coaches that have offered me scholarships have really expressed that they are serious about me being a part of their programs and we have been in contact daily since the offers.
Marquette is the most recent and the coach believes that me and my family will be a great fit. I talk frequently with South Carolina and Texas A&M also. I have been texting back and forth with many others but it really is about relationship and trust with me. All of the coaches have said that my size, work ethic, and family support have been attractive to them. I still have two years to get better and I know that many other coaches will be reaching out in the future.
You mentioned South Carolina and Texas A&M have frequently been talking to you. What have they been saying to you and what does it mean to you?
Smith: Not just them only but we definitely have had a lot of conversations. It is basically us trying to get to know each other better and build trust. I want to be a pro and our conversations are about that sometimes and what it takes and how their program can get me there. We talk about success stories from their programs and stuff like that. It means a lot for any coach to invest time in me and with me. Some coaches have just expressed interest and that is cool too but when a coach offers me a scholarship, invest time in me, and want me and my family to be part of their basketball family, that means a lot to me.
What other schools have been showing interest your way but have yet to offer?
Smith: Wake Forest, College of Charleston, NC State, Charlotte, and Appalachian State but we are in contact with each other and we are learning about each other.
Have you been ale to visit any programs?
Smith: I have been to South Carolina a couple of times but the other schools I have not visited yet due to the coronavirus but coaches have talked about getting me on campus as soon as possible in the fall.
Any schools in particular you want to visit?
Smith: I really want to be able to go to them all. I’m grateful and my options are open.