Zhaire Smith’s story is a very interesting one, coming out of high school he was a 3-star recruit ranked 194 in the country and 15th in the state of Texas. He didn’t shoot his first 3-pointer in high school till he was a senior. He’s always been a great athlete, but many people questioned his skill as a basketball player and it would be hard to believe people thought he would be a NBA prospect in less than a year. Which shows to Smiths hard work and perseverance, Smith’s freshmen year he thrived he averaged 11.3 PPG, 5 RPG along with 1.1 SPG and BPG. Also he became arguably one of the best dunkers and rebounding guards in the country. I spoke with Zhaire about being underrated, his draft expectations and his development as a player.
TB: How does it feel to be the first one and done player from Texas Tech?
ZS: It’s a blessing I really didn’t see it coming I’m just glad to make history
TB: What can you bring to a NBA franchise?
ZS: How hard I play, my work ethic and how much better I can get everyday?
TB: How do you feel about being underrated?
ZS: Being underrated makes you grind hard, but I didn’t pay that much attention to it however it did make me work harder.
TB: Do you think you can develop your offensive game to an All-Star caliber player like Jimmy Butler?
ZS: Yeah most definitely I can I watch film on players like Jimmy Butler, DeMar Derozan and Kawhi Leonard
TB: What do you have to say to all the people who hate on Zhaire Smith and think you can’t become the next great talent in the NBA?
ZS: I don’t have to tell them anything, let them keep thinking what their thinking I’ll show them soon
TB: Why sign with Roc Nation?
ZS: My family and I sat down together and talked about it and we felt that it was the best place for me to sign
TB: Are you going to come back to Tech and support future Red Raider teams?
ZS: Most definitely, I’d love to come back Lubbock and support my school
The 2018 Draft is this Thursday on June 21st, it will be interesting to see where he goes in the first round. Red Raider nation and I are expecting big things from Zhaire he’s already a lockdown defender and a very good rebounder for his position. If he can develop a more consistent jump shot and ball skills he could be an excellent NBA player for years to come.
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