Queens University (NC) standout F Jamari Smith was one of the top Division II players in the country this past season earning All-American honors in the process for his big season at Queens. Now, Smith is ready to test his luck at a higher level with numerous major programs showing interest in him including Virginia Tech.
Smith told us that since entering the transfer portal, he has received interest from Virginia Tech, Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Washington State, VCU, UAB, Murray State, George Washington, UTEP, and Sam Houston State. He has visited Georgia Tech previously and is scheduled to visit Murray State this weekend.
Smith specifically heard from VT assistant Kevin Giltner "yesterday" the 26th of April with this being Tech's initial contact with him.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Smith is receiving lots of major interest after he was a NABC Division II All-American and the South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year averaging 17.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and almost a steal and block in 26 minutes per game. He also shot 51.3% from the field including 40% from three-point range plus 74.3% from the free-throw line.
Given those stats, Smith has proven to be a very versatile 6'8'' power forward who would fit well and give Tech more depth at minimum in their frontcourt along with quality rebounding and offensive versatility. Smith has two years of eligibility remaining and could be a piece to develop and build around somewhat unlike a one-year grad transfer.
Looking ahead, Smith told us that he plans to make a decision on May 10th so time is of the essence for any team wanting to get involved. Given that, there should be greater clarity soon on how much of a transfer priority Smith may be for the Hokies.
Smith also told us that the key factors that's he looking for in his next school are "a winning culture, having a definite role for me, and a great college atmosphere."
Jamari Smith is an intriguing target to watch for the Hokies who has shown the upside to be a productive player even at the high major level and statistically speaking, looks like a potential good fit in Mike Young's system as a forward.
