Josh Smith: “I think I’m the best and nobody is better than me.”
Words. Jason Jordan
Josh Smith’s word isn’t necessarily his bond.
Photo. Seattle Times
Josh Smith recently had an epiphany about the recruiting process. It’s honest and real and could’ve claimed pole position on the Straight Talk Expressway. Still, it’s bound to leave you dumbfounded.
“You know what…” says Smith, a 6-9 center who is rated the No. 5 prospect on the HighSchoolHoop top 50. “Don’t even listen to me when it comes to this stuff. Truth is I could tell you something today and then totally feel different about it tomorrow. That’s why I’m really getting tired of all of this.”
No, those aren’t the painkillers from Monday’s tonsil removal surgery talking - while some prep stars crave the spotlight, Smith, who attends Kentwood High in Kent, Wash., has REALLY had his fill.
HighSchoolHoop: How long is the surgery going to keep you down?
Josh Smith: Well, the doctor said that I won’t be able to do anything for about two and a half weeks, and then I’ll be good.
HSH: Much needed break from it all?
JS: Yes! I get tired of all the people coming up to me asking me where I’m gonna go. They’re always asking, “What’s your top five? Where are you going? Why are you going there?” All of that stuff. My dad talks to the coaches, but it just bugs me because people ask the same question so much. Like I’m gonna make up my mind after an hour.
HSH: So for that reason you kind of want to get it over with?
JS: Yeah.
HSH: Does that mean you have a pretty good idea of where you want to go?
JS: Uuuuuh… No. I don’t know yet.
HSH: No clue?
JS: No not really.
HSH: Address the rumor that there’s no way you’re leaving the west coast.
JS: That’s definitely a rumor. People say that because they think that my top two schools are UCLA and Washington. The thing is though, I’m gonna go wherever I feel comfortable. That’s it. Whether that’s Texas or Louisville or Connecticut on the other side of the map. I have never said that I want to stay on the west coast.
HSH: Are you planning to take official visits this summer?
JS: Yeah. I think I’m gonna take some visits after the AAU season is over in early August.
HSH: That’s interesting because the word was that you were planning to decide in July.
JS: See, I told you I change my mind everyday. I don’t know… I would like to, but right now I just don’t know.
HSH: Have you taken any of your five officials to this point?
JS: No.
HSH: Are you planning to use all five?
JS: I am gonna plan on five, but if I don’t end up taking all five, that’s fine too.
HSH: Do you plan to trim your list a bit before you decide?
JS: Yes, I’m planning to do that soon.
HSH: What schools will absolutely make the cut?
JS: I would say, right now UCLA and U-Dub (Washington) will be on the list. Other than that probably Texas. Louisville, North Carolina, Duke, Gonzaga. Schools like that.
HSH: Have all of those schools offered?
JS: Well, with Carolina and Duke there’s high interest right now, but they haven’t offered me a formal scholarship yet.
HSH: What are you looking for in a school?
JS: At the end of the day style of play will be a factor. I don’t want to go to a school where it’s just run-and-gun. I have no problem doing that, but I want to go to a school that has a balance of that and a halfcourt set.
HSH: Is your ultimate goal to be in the NBA?
JS: Yes.
HSH: So how much of your decision will hinge upon the coach’s ability to help you attain that goal?
JS: It will weigh a lot on that. When people ask me about UCLA it’s because they’re famous for putting big men in the league. So people say that if I go there for one or two years I could be the next No. 1 or lottery pick. Wherever I go I just want to work hard and get better. If the NBA opportunity comes, I’ll take it. My ultimate goal is to be successful at whatever I do. But that’s why I like UCLA a lot. Ben Howland knows what he’s doing. They’re always at the top of the Pac-10, always in the Elite 8 and Sweet 16 and the big guys that he produces are usually lottery picks.
HSH: Sure you don’t have a favorite?
JS: (Laughs) No.
HSH: If you had a favorite would you say so?
JS: … Yeah I would.
HSH: OK, I’ll leave you alone there. Talk about rankings, how much do you keep up with that stuff?
JS: You know what, when I was ranked No. 1 on one of those sites I didn’t even know for two weeks.
HSH: Well, you’re No. 5 overall in our rankings. That too low?
JS: Well, I truly feel that I am the top player. That’s the mindset I go into every game with. I’m trying to play like I’m the top player at all times. I mean I’m definitely not trying to play like I’m the No. 5 player and four other guys are better than me. When I’m out there I think that I’m the best and nobody is better than me. Nothing against none of the other guys.
HSH: When do you want to pick a school?
JS: The goal right now is to decide before my senior season so I won’t have to worry about anything and I can just concentrate on winning.
HSH: OK, but you’ll excuse my pause because you said not to put a lot of stock into what you say regarding your recruitment.
JS: (Laughs) That’s a good point. You know what? Don’t trust anything I say about this because I might commit tomorrow.
Video of Josh Smith’s work:
Josh..if u read this DONT sell out SEATTLE..come play at the Dub..Romar has put Brockman, Broy, Bobby Jones, Nate Robinson, and SPencer Hawes into the NBA, with Qpon, IT, and you as the next ones to go..
Josh, if you read this, COME PLAY FOR THE BEST COACH IN THE COUNTRY at LOUISVILLE. He will make you a lottery pick like Terrence Williams and Earl Clark were this year and you could be the missing piece for a run at the NCAA title.
lol whatever…Only reason Josh is the best center in this class is cause it sucks so bad. KLove would embarass this dude. Too bad he stopped drowing if he had legitimate size he might of had something. I’d take every player in the top 15 ahead of him.
Josh, if you happen to read this and IF the editors don’t delete this again, come play for the best coach in the nation, RICK PITINO. One of Seattle’s finest was picked in the NBA lottery at #11, Terrence Williams and you could be the missing piece on Louisville making a run at the NCAA title in the next couple of years. Williams LOVED Louisville, Siva followed and now you could be next from the Seattle pipeline to Louisville, Ky. Don’t sellout to the hometown folks just to make them happy. Do what YOU want to do, and I promise that Louisville WILL be the best place, with the best coach for you.
Josh,
Bruin man Stan is an imposter. He can’t even type properly. You come on down to UCLA, we have been waiting. We probably wont get to the final four this year, but in 2010 we will be there with you. Once you punch that ticket anything can happen!
UCLA home to 11 yes 11 National Championships, J. Kapono, E.Watson , B.Davis & A. Afflalo, Luc Richard, J. Farmar, K.Love, R.Westbrook and Champions Farmar and Ariza the legacy continues with J. Holiday and D, Collison .Howland just keeps producing well rounded ,defensivly sound B-Ballers. Westwood CALI. in the summer time the sun the girls and the exposure .pick up games in the mens gym against the NBA elite. AHHH . UCLA the place, nobody comes close
That photo is not Josh Smith. Smith plays for Kentwood. That photo is of Shaquielle McKissic of Kentridge.
Whuut up Big Cousin, or should I say lil cousin because i’m older than you lol. It’s real nice to see how far you have come with your hoop game. I think I have an “idea” of what school you’re gonna pick. Oh, and yes,yes,yes, to my L.A. Lakers. See you in two weeks in Vegas, peace. Ron Eazi “Google Me”
[...] Which player is toughest for you to guard? JS: Probably Josh Smith (Kentwood H.S., Wash.) because he’s just too big. He’s [...]
Josh,
UCLA produces winners and gets players NBA ready.