Player: Damari Smith
Class: 2029
AAU: CP3
School: St. Christopher’s School
So many people already know about the talent in the Class of 2027 and 2028, which is why we are talking early about prospects in the Class of 2029 that you will be hearing more about in the coming years. Though they are just starting their story, players are already garnering early recognition from national outlets and are showing why they have a chance to be something special.
It is no secret that I’ve been high on 2029 Damari Smith from CP3 this summer, as he has been strong throughout his play on the Phenom platform as well as on the EYBL Circuit. On tie circuit this season, Smith has been impressive in averaging 16.4 points, 4.3rpg, 6.6apg, and 2.6spg in helping lead his team. Our very own Jeff Bendel had high praise for the young point guard, saying this recently:
“It’s easy to see that Damari Smith has already proven to be a massive addition for this group. He’s an incredibly smooth creator, shooter, and overall scorer who comfortably dictates the action as a focal point. Smith displays deep range with the ability to hit shots off the catch or bounce and heat up in a hurry. He highlights terrific pace and feel when attacking, unable to get sped up and very unbothered by most defenders. Smith is a solid defender, especially for his size, and anticipates well to force turnovers at the point of attack. Comfortable with or without the ball, he brings an extremely valuable dynamic to this group.”
When talking about his overall presence, it can’t be denied that he has an impressive feel for the game with the ball in his hands. He plays with poise, control, makes strong reads, can attack well out in transition, can be physical at the point of a attack and get downhill, and also shows the ability to be a strong scoring option as well. Smith provides a well-balanced impact on the court overall for his team.
Speaking with Smith more, we asked how he would describe his game, how he likes to impact the game, and who he models his game after.
“I would describe my game as a playmaker who can also score at a high level,” he replied. “I can play defense, as well as rebound well for my size. I like to impact the game on both sides of the ball with my intensity at all times; I’m a dog all-around and I play defense at a high level just as I do offensively. I like to model my game after Darius Acuff and Frank Mason.”
Two impressive guards for sure, Smith should be trending, in my eyes, as a premier high-major point guard but also one that still has room for development. Right now, he holds offers from Arizona State, Virginia Tech, and Mississippi State while NC State seems to be expressing interest early on with him as well.