Josh Smith: Colleges in Consideration

(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Perhaps the biggest recruiting target for Lorenzo Romar both physically and theoretically, Josh Smith, a junior from Kentwood High School, is currently pondering what college he will attend after he graduates in 2010.

He currently has 12 scholarship offers from the top college basketball programs across the nation, including the University of Washington. According to his Scout.com profile he currently has a high interest in UCLA and medium interest in UW and Louisville.

UCLA has been the top team on the west coast and in the nation making the Final Four for three consecutive years from 2006-2008. If Smith wishes to jump to the NBA after one or two years, UCLA has also proved to a be an effective place where he can get the proper exposure for the NBA.

Also, UCLA has churned out several top NBA talent out of its program recently. Jordan Farmar, Kevin Love, Aron Afflalo, and Russell Westbrook are few of the many Bruins that have been drafted in the couple past years. These things might explain his "high interest" in UCLA.

For UW, Romar is probably selling the benefits of staying close to home. Smith will be in a more comfortable environment. He won't have to adjust as much, as he would if he went to college out of state. Also, depending on the style of system he wants to be in, UW offers a much-more player-centric offensive system.

Romar gives his players a lot of freedom on offense, and this could only mean good things for Smith. He is guaranteed at least one year with Abdul Gaddy, and he may get a shot to play with Isaiah Thomas as well, if Thomas doesn't leave early.

Louisville's only selling point right now is it's strong connection to Seattle basketball. Rick Pitino has successfully nurtured Seattle native Terrance Williams into one of the best players in college basketball. Smith's former Rotary teammate, Senior Peyton Siva, is headed to Louisville this upcoming season. It doesn't hurt when the Cardinal were one of the best teams in college basketball this past year.

I have a strong feeling that Smith does not wish to go to the East coast. Duke, North Carolina, and Ohio St. have all offered, but Smith is currently showing little interest in those schools. His decision will most likely come late this summer or in the fall. We'll have you updated on UW's chances of grabbing this special player.

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