The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1481002
30 ■ THE WOLFPACKER second on the team to Seabron with 42 steals, but his 31 steals in 20 conference contests were 10 more than anyone else on the roster. Thirteen times Smith scored at least 20 points last season, twice reaching 30 in ACC play, highlighted by a 34-point performance at North Carolina when he made 10 of 21 shots. He made 7 3-point- ers in home games against Florida State and Syracuse. Seabron was by Smith's side for all of that, but he is now trying to make the NBA. That means Smith will be "the man" for the Pack, but he is not nervous, espe- cially his with teammates behind him. "I'm ready for that," Smith said. "Growing up, I was always that guy on my team. I feel like I can play that role very well. All my guys, we all love each other. It means a lot to have the support from the guys." Additionally, Smith's ambitions are not solely focused on improving his game in front of NBA scouts during the season. The reason Smith is at NC State to be- gin with is because the Greenville, N.C., native always wanted to play for the Wolfpack. While the story that Smith did not have many other offers when he committed to Keatts is true, so is the fact that he pledged so early, before his junior season of high school basketball at Farm- ville Central, that other schools didn't have a chance to jump into the mix. "What I love about the kid is that one of the reasons that he wanted to come back to school is that he wanted to play his way into a higher pick next year, but he also loves his school and his team- mates," Keatts explained. "If you guys ever see him at a foot- ball game, he's jumping up and down. He loves to tailgate. He loves everything about NC State. His leadership is be- cause he cares about who is around him." That love of the Pack not only played a role in Smith's return, but also helped him learn a valuable lesson last year. "Just playing for the front of the jersey and not the back," Smith explained. That's why Smith is excited, for in- stance, to team with Ole Miss transfer and super senior guard Jarkel Joiner, who will likely join Smith in the backcourt. Joiner led the Rebels in scoring the past two seasons, and Smith feels like the two have instantly gelled together. "He brings energy like I bring energy," Smith noted. "That's my guy. Staying in the backcourt with him is good. He's a veteran guard. He's got a lot of chemistry with me already." Together with Joiner and other new teammates along with the holdovers from last year's team, Smith is ready to leave a bigger legacy at NC State and go out a winner. "That would mean everything to me," Smith said. "To win games for the fans and the people that support NC State, that would mean a lot." ■ Smith's 96 made 3-pointers led the ACC last season, and he shot 40.1 percent from beyond the arc in league games. He also connected on 7 treys in a game twice last year, coming at home against Florida State and Syracuse. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS