J.R. Smith

Stats (per game): 23.9 points / 5.0 steals

Notes: Named Co-MVP of the 2004 McDonald’s High School All-America game. Named Co-MVP of the EA Sports Roundball Classic. Named First Team All-State as a junior and senior.

The Skinny:
Exceptional athlete was once a two-sport athlete who played football as well, but gave it up after he was one of the top wide receivers in the country. He can handle the ball and get to the basket, possessing a great in-between game, and his three-point shot has continued to improve to where he is a legitimate shooting guard. His shot selection is still a question mark at times, but the improvement of his jumper made him an unstoppable scorer at times. He can rebound and will block a few shots, and he’s no slouch defensively. In transition, he has been known to finish a fast break with a dunk for the highlight reel. On the down side, his long range shot is much better on the catch and shoot than going off the dribble, and although he has the quickness to get to the basket, he doesn’t fare as well as he probably should in that aspect of his game.

Related Hoopville Articles on J.R. Smith:

5/21/04 – Morning Dish
5/4/04 – Morning Dish
5/3/04 – Morning Dish
12/31/03 – Phil Kasiecki – Slam Dunk to the Beach – Day Five
12/24/03 – Phil Kasiecki – New Head Coach Recruiting
6/2/03 – Phil Kasiecki – Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions
4/17/03 – Phil Kasiecki – Hoop Group Spring Jam Fest Recap
4/10/03 – Phil Kasiecki – Playaz Spring Fling
1/13/03 – Phil Kasiecki – Slam Dunk to the Beach Evaluations
12/29/02 – Phil Kasiecki – Slam Dunk to the Beach 3