6-9 PF Perry Smith Jr. of North Augusta and Legacy Charter in Greenville plans to sign with a school in November. He has not visited any schools this summer but plans to in the fall. He has named a top eight of USC, Boston College, NC State, Iona, Tulsa, Hofstra, Alabama and Texas A&M. He is not naming a favorite at this point, but USC has several factors working in their favor with him.
“It’s close to home, like a 45-minute drive, that’s something I consider the most about South Carolina,” Smith said. “I have a great relationship with the players. I played with Jacobi Wright. I played with Jalyn McCreary before he went to South Carolina. It’s a great connection. It’s like family. Basically, just being able to have my family be able to come watch me play within a reasonable distance where they can drive up and drive back in the same night.”
Smith said he has visited USC several times since the 8th grade. Gamecock head coach Frank Martin has spent a lot of time watching Smith play and talking with him.
“They like mostly that I’m a hard worker and I don’t take any plays off,” Smith said. “They love that I have a lot of energy because a lot of people with similar skill sets don’t have a lot of energy and don’t hustle as much. They love that I have a working mindset and I want to get better every day. And I stretch the floor and play multiple positions.”
Smith averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game last season. He can play on the perimeter or dive inside, and that, he says, is what coaches like about his game.
“My athleticism is one of the strengths of my game,” Smith said. “Versatility also. The skillset at my size, being able to handle the ball. Mid-range and three-point jumper that I have. I can shoot the three. I can work off the pick and roll. I can actually come off the pick and roll with the ball in my hands. I can pass. Defense.”
Smith hasn’t set dates for official visits, but he said three will be to USC, Hofstra and Alabama. He’ll take his five official visits and then go from there with his decision.
“Academically first, that’s one of the deciding points for me,” Smith said. “I can always come back to the school even if I was to leave earlier than four years. I can come back and get my degree. That’s the biggest thing for me. Secondly, having my family being able to be there when I need them to. If they want to come to a game, they can actually come to a game within a reasonable distance without it being a problem. And all the coaches on my list, they coach really hard. I love that as well, being pushed so I can be prepared for the next level because that’s the ultimate goal.”
Smith is rated a three-star in the 247Sports Composite and is ranked the #31 power forward nationally and #5 prospect in South Carolina for the 2022 class.
