The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/743343
NOVEMBER 2016 ■ 75 BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2016-17 ■ Dennis Smith Jr. 4 • PG Fr. • Fayetteville, N.C. • 6-3 • 195 Analysis: Smith is one of the most heralded recruits to enroll at NC State, and he has a chance to be a high first-round draft choice in the future, potentially even the No. 1 overall spot, if he lives up to his potential. He is expected to take over at point guard and mitigate the loss of first-team All-ACC performer Anthony "Cat" Barber, who turned pro after last season. Career Highlights: Was picked preseason ACC Rookie of the Year and first-team All-ACC ... Listed by ESPN.com as the No. 1 point guard and No. 4 prospect overall in the 2016 class … Scout. com ranked him No. 10 overall and 247 Sports had him at No. 6 … Missed his senior year with a torn ACL and enrolled early at NC State … As a junior averaged 22.2 points per game and was named the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year while leading Trinity Christian High to the semifinals of the 1-A private school playoffs … Named a second-team preseason All-American by NBCSports.com. Coach's Corner: "Dennis legitimately, realistically is the kind of player with a great year that could be the No. 1 pick in the draft." — Mark Gottfried Personal: Communications major. Ten Questions With Dennis Smith Jr. What is your hidden talent? I am a great video game player. What sports icon would you like to have dinner with? Muhammad Ali, my favorite athlete of all time. If you weren't wearing No. 4, what number would you want? 44. What's your dream car? 1969 Chevy Camaro, yellow and black. Who is the best dunker on the team? Me. How many pair of shoes do you think you currently have? Probably around 60 or 70. What's your favorite city you have ever visited? Atlanta. Down one in the national title game with one second left and two free throws, who on the team do you want taking the shots? Anybody that'll make them. I believe I would make them. How would you describe your personality in one word? Smooth. Beach or mountain for a vacation? Beach, I don't like heights. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN