2017 PG Mark Smith -> Illinois->Mizzou-KSU

[hhcmatt]

 

6'5" kid

 

Low on the stars but seems to have plenty of interest from a lot of schools.  Not sure if there is some issue with having a common name (makes linking info hard for databases) or if he's just an early or late bloomer

 

http://verbalcommits.com/players/mark-smith

[hhcmatt]

Ah, figured it out. He was committed to Mizzou on a baseball scholarship until July 2016

via http://ilprepbullseye.com/Summer_Awards.html

 

Mark Smith     6'4   PG   2017   Edwardsville (H.S.)   Jets/Team Ramey United 17U

We knew that Smith would inevitably end up reneging on his commitment to attend the University Of Missouri on a baseball scholarship, but we never envisioned his basketball stock rising as quickly as it has or his entire recruiting process changing to the degree it has as a result.

Smith performed in outstanding fashion when we watched him with his Jets/Team Ramey United travel team at the Adidas Chicago Classic over Memorial Day weekend and at the Sunflower Showcase in Kansas City during the final week of the July Evaluation Period.  From all that we have observed, we have concluded that there may not be a more underrated point guard in the entire state of Illinois.

Smith is highly athletic and is capable of impacting the game at both ends of the floor primarily because of how hard he plays.  He handles the ball extremely well and can attack the basket with a vengeance.  In addition, he is an effective mid-range scorer and above all else simply has a great nose for the ball.  To top everything off, Smith showed at the Sunflower Showcase that he can also spot up and convert shots from 3-point land.  What it all translates to is a versatile playmaker with few weaknesses.

On account of Smith's rapid ascension up the basketball ladder, he has now accumulated four D1 scholarship offers from the likes of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Oral Roberts, Wright State and Western Illinois.  We would not be surprised if more were to follow soon.  Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that Smith will have a multitude of opportunities in front of him with respect to his future college choice, whether they end up being in basketball or baseball.

 

 

 

[hhcmatt]

https://www.landof10.com/illinois/whos-hottest-name-big-ten-basketball-recruiting-might-just-mark-smith

[bobcat402]

With only two official visits left, its going to be a battle 

[BirdsOnTheBat]

Rivals has him as a 4 star combo guard.  If it works:

 

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/184558

[FredsSlacks]

are we planning to over-sign? we don't have any open scholarships right?

[colhusker]

12 minutes ago, TimSmiles said:

are we planning to over-sign? we don't have any open scholarships right?

Guessing if we are still actively recruiting the coaches are planning on someone leaving.

[MandRHusker]

Guessing the open spot is between Palmer not making grades or Fuller transferring out as a graduate transfer. The Huskers are actively interested in signing a PG.

[Swan88]

 

[FredsSlacks]

2 hours ago, MandRHusker said:

Guessing the open spot is between Palmer not making grades or Fuller transferring out as a graduate transfer. The Huskers are actively interested in signing a PG.

is the palmer thing a rumor or legit? haven't heard about that.

[FredsSlacks]

this kid has gained a lot of steam recently. indiana, cal, utah, butler, and nebraska all offered in the last 10 days.

Edited February 12, 2017 by TimSmiles

[uneblinstu]

It's very likely Fuller will be transferring as a senior transfer.

[uneblinstu]

Also, what are the chances he wants to play both?

[Huskerpapa]

46 minutes ago, uneblinstu said:

Also, what are the chances he wants to play both?

It has become increasingly more difficult to play multiple sports at this level, especially the first couple of years.  Tie that to the academic responsibilities, I simply do not see this as a realistic possibility.

 

[Norm Peterson]

This would be YUGE.  

[Norm Peterson]

 Just watched some videos on my phone. This kid is freaking good. I will post the video when I get to a computer unless somebody beats me to it.

Edited February 12, 2017 by Norm Peterson

[Norm Peterson]

 Can someone do me a solid and please make this happen? 

[uneblinstu]

39 minutes ago, huskercwg said:

It has become increasingly more difficult to play multiple sports at this level, especially the first couple of years.  Tie that to the academic responsibilities, I simply do not see this as a realistic possibility.

 

[Norm Peterson]

 I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch but in order to explain why this would be such an important development for us, first understand that we need to keep the star power coming in. We can't just get a couple of good classes and then nothing. Recruiting is an ongoing process.

 

Second, try to imagine the potential starting lineup three years from now.  Our three current freshman would be a pretty formidable frontline anchored by Jordy in the middle.   Then, you would have a back court featuring a 6-6 athletic shooting guard and a 6-4 floor general. 

 

 I'm drooling just thinking about it. 

Edited February 12, 2017 by Norm Peterson

[khoock]

So... about Palmer not making grades??? 

 

Is that just a guess or is there something to that?

[MandRHusker]

12 hours ago, khoock said:

So... about Palmer not making grades??? 

 

Is that just a guess or is there something to that?

More than a guess. If he buckles down he can still make it.

[Norm Peterson]

 The huskers did not just offer this kid on the mere possibility that Palmer won't make grades. If Palmer can still make grades, then it is not about him. They must anticipate some other vacancy to be a sure thing; otherwise, we don't have room to make this offer.   Whoever that vacancy happens to be, I hope it is not one of the seven top returning players on the roster. 

[MandRHusker]

9 minutes ago, Norm Peterson said:

 The huskers did not just offer this kid on the mere possibility that Palmer won't make grades. If Palmer can still make grades, then it is not about him. They must anticipate some other vacancy to be a sure thing; otherwise, we don't have room to make this offer.   Whoever that vacancy happens to be, I hope it is not one of the seven top returning players on the roster. 

I was told that the Huskers are in the market for a PG, but I'm sure a combo guard fits the description. I was also told that the opening will come from a Fuller transfer or Palmer academic casualty. I was told Palmer is very questionable so my comment that he can still make it may be generous. I do agree with you Norm that additional transfers may occur.

 

For the sake of the team, I hope Palmer makes it. In the practices I've attended he looks long & athletic and was hitting his 3s in scrimmages.

Edited February 12, 2017 by MandRHusker

[hskr4life]

Damn!  If there are any kids reading this board, please please please do your schoolwork.

 

Go to class... study a little... do not flunk out.

 

You almost have to try to fail.  It is not that hard to get a C letter grade.  

[colhusker]

51 minutes ago, hskr4life said:

Damn!  If there are any kids reading this board, please please please do your schoolwork.

 

Go to class... study a little... do not flunk out.

 

You almost have to try to fail.  It is not that hard to get a C letter grade.  

This