Jabari Smith may be the best player in college basketball.
In the latest NBA mock draft done by The Athletic (paid), Smith went first overall to the Detroit Pistons.
Sam Vecenie wrote the following when breaking down the pick.
“I have Smith at No. 1 entering the new year, but it’s a razor-thin margin between him, Banchero and Holmgren. Why Smith? I think his upside is juuuuust a bit higher than the other two if everything breaks right with his game. He’s one of the best shooting big men to enter college hoops in a long time. His percentages going back to high school are terrific, his marks so far at Auburn are great and his mechanics are pristine. At 6-foot-10, he can grab and go on the break and create havoc with his ability to get his own shot.
“He can pull up from midrange or from 3. He’s averaging 16 points and seven rebounds per game while playing solid defense for the Tigers. He’s switchable on the perimeter and has good weakside rotational instincts.”
Smith has been a treat to watch this season as he leads Auburn into the top 10 in all major polls
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