Jalen Smith
Updated as of 11/21/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2020 rankings were finalized on 11/17/20.
Height: 6-10
Weight: 220
College: Maryland
Classification: Sophomore
Birthdate: 3/16/2000
2020 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 18
Projected Draft Range: Mid to Late 1st Round
2020 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 10 by the Phoenix Suns
Pros:
Good finisher around the basket
Decent shooter for a big man, has stretch big potential
Adequate low post scorer
Gifted rebounder
Adequate defensive player
Good shot blocker
Good athlete
Cons:
May need to improve his low post game
Still needs to improve his shooting
May struggle to consistently create his own shot
Needs to improve his playmaking skills
Can be too passive on offense
Can have lapses defensively
Can be foul prone
Summary:
Jalen Smith is an athletic, skilled big man that could be a solid role player in the NBA. He is a versatile scorer that can rebound, and block shots, and he is a fairly good shooter that can knock down spot-up jumpers off the catch.
He will need to improve his playmaking skills, and he will need to be more assertive on offense, but Smith’s athleticism, skill set, and upside could enable him to be a likely first round pick in 2020.
Links:
The Washington Post on Smith Returning to Maryland
YouTube via Matthew Love Ball’s Highlights of the 2/26/20 Maryland-Minnesota Game
Games Scouted:
3/28/18 2018 McDonald’s All-American Game
3/21/19 Maryland vs. Belmont
12/10/19 Maryland vs. Penn State
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