When it comes to in-state recruiting targets in the class of 2022, no position is deeper than point guard.
We have talked here about rising Indianapolis based stars Tayshawn Comer (Cathedral) and Leland Walker (North Central).
Just to the north, another sophomore point guard is grabbing the attention of high major programs, and he will be a guest of Indiana when the Hoosiers host Penn State on Sunday afternoon.
The Indianapolis Star’s Kyle Neddenriep was the first to report that Westfield, Ind. point guard Braden Smith will be taking an unofficial visit to IU.
Westfield guard Braden Smith (2022) will taken an unofficial visit to Indiana on Sunday.
— Kyle Neddenriep (@KyleNeddenriep) February 22, 2020
The 5-foot-10 Smith is putting up big numbers through 20 games for the 14-6 Shamrocks.
According to his MaxPreps profile, Smith is averaging 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.4 steals per contest. He has made 44 percent of shots from the field overall including 40 percent from behind the arc. Smith converts on 90 percent of his free throw attempts.
The Daily Hoosier has watched Smith play on multiple occasions including at the Charlie Hughes Classic over the summer and contests this season against Carmel and Hamilton Heights.
What Smith lacks right now in size he makes up for with high level ball skills and passing, court vision, quickness and athleticism. As his numbers suggest, Smith is also a high level shooter and scorer. If he adds size and strength, Smith could clearly develop into a high major talent.
With starting point guard Rob Phinisee set to graduate in 2022, Indiana will no doubt be taking a close look at the point guard position in the next couple recruiting classes.
The Hoosiers are closely involved with Khristian Lander and Carter Whitt, two class of 2021 point guards that are both considering reclassifying to the class of 2020. Ideally, IU would like to carry two primary ball handlers on the roster.
Smith made headlines on Friday night with a buzzer beating game winner against Franklin Central.
Ball game. Courtesy of Braden Smith‼️😤
@bsmith72503 26 points@nicdepas 19 points@CamHaffner 18 points
Awesome win at the buzzer for our guys and @WHSRocksBball #GPPBasketball 🔴⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/AYS8wab8sQ
— Grand Park Premier (@GPPbasketball) February 22, 2020
The game-winning basket gave Smith 26 points for the game including a 5-of-9 effort from three-point range. Westfield plays at New Castle on Saturday night before Smith heads down to Bloomington.
Below you can take a full game look at Smith in a game that was played last week against Hamilton Heights. It is a particularly good game to watch as Smith (No. 10) was matched up against another unheralded in-state guard that will end up playing Division One college basketball. Gus Etchison (No. 0) is a 6-foot-0 class of 2021 guard that is an elite athlete and averages 25 point per game for Hamilton Heights.
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