Smith Has New Leader

New England Recruiting Report | Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Rick Pittino and the Louisville Cardinals are one of three schools who remain in contention for South Kent’s J.J. Moore. 

But Pittino n’company aren’t only interested in Moore as fellow South Kent guard and New York Panther product Russell Smith has scheduled an official visit to the Big East campus on the weekend of November 14th. 

On Thursday night Smith told Ray Anczelowicz of Gotham Hoops that if things go as expected he could very well end up making a commitment while on the visit. 

“The coaching staff is great. [Associate coach] Ralph Willard, assistant coach Steve Masiello and head coach Rick Pitino…it gets no better than that,” Smith told Anczelowicz.

“Also the schedule,” he continued.  “I want play big time basketball and I also want to play with superior and great talent.  That has kind of been my knock, so now I’m going to do it on the big level.”

Prior to arriving at South Kent, Smith was known for his ability to score the basketball in high volume, while his ability to run a team came into question.  Since arriving at the New England prep school, Smith has been proving his ability to run the show by trusting his teammates and making those around him better.