The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/672211
MAY 2016 ■ 45 Smith back into full basketball activities this summer, but thinks the early enrollee will be ahead of the game mentally thanks to being able to soak everything this season. "We are going to be extremely conserva‑ tive," Gottfried said. "I think the good news for Dennis is that he has a lot of time this year and this summer to get ready for next year." Smith watched NC State struggle through a tough 16‑17 season, but his mindset is still the same. "I have a winner's mentality, and I want to come in and win," Smith said. "I want everybody to play to their fullest poten‑ tial. If I see something wrong, I will tell them. I want them to do the same thing with me." Smith's recruitment lasted for about 18 months, and Gottfried was ecstatic about landing the former Rivals.com five‑star prospect. "It was exciting, but he hasn't scored a basket yet for us," Gottfried said. "I want to wait until next year for that. "I think it is a great advantage [rehabbing at NC State], and I'm really excited he was able to do it. No. 1, he is able to do his reha‑ bilitation every single day. He was doing it one day a week in Fayetteville. "It's a great concentration on getting him healthy every day with our doctors and our trainers." Gottfried said Smith has learned what it's like to be a college student, and got to watch practice every day and learn the ins and outs of being an ACC point guard. "Next fall, he is going to have such a head start on where he would have been without it," Gottfried said. "In every area, it seems to be a tremendous win." Smith said he would have been back at Fayetteville Trinity Christian this year if it weren't for the knee injury. He had to alter his prep dreams and begin anew at NC State, where he took 15 credits during the second semester. "I get to go in the locker room and inter‑ act with the guys," Smith said. "That is a big thing for me. It will help with chemistry. "I have to come in and lead the guys next year. That is what I look forward to doing." Smith's roommates include freshman wing Maverick Rowan and junior point guard Anthony Barber. Getting a front row seat in watching Barber's exploits was ter‑ rific for a floor general in training. Smith also probably had some inside information on Barber's NBA plans, which he made official by signing with an agent April 12. Smith said his game is definitely different than Barber. "He has been remarkable this year," Smith said. "He is a great talent and one of the best guards in the country. We are two different types of point guards. We talk a lot and like to see each other's point of view on things, and we'll watch film." Smith even called teammates to come join him at the Dail practice facility to shoot free throws late at night. It's a small step in helping become the leader of next year's team. "He rallies the troops and will call some‑ one and say, 'Why aren't you in the gym with me?'" Gottfried said. "Our guys will respond and come over there." Junior center BeeJay Anya said Smith literally showed on his first day at NC State that he was going to take charge as best he could from the sidelines. "For someone as young as he is, I didn't expect him to be like that," Anya said. "It takes most guys a little bit longer. Dennis is trying to establish himself right now as our point general and trying to be a leader on the team." ■ Enrolling early at NC State allowed Smith to rehab his knee injury under the supervision of the Wolfpack's doctors and trainers, and get a head start on being a team leader. PHOTO BY JACEY ZEMBAL