By CHARLIE PARENT
Jaden Smith, a three-star big man in the class of 2024, has committed to Arizona State, he announced Friday.
The 6-foot-11 Kenwood Academy (IL.) and Mac Irvin Fire AAU product chose the Sun Devils over in-state schools DePaul and Loyola Chicago, as well as Dayton and Fordham, among others.
“I chose ASU because it felt like home,” Smith told ZAGSBLOG. “I feel that I can thrive in their system and they can help me achieve my dreams of playing in the NBA, and more importantly, winning while I’m there.”
Smith visited Arizona State during the first week of October. He saw DePaul two weekends ago, but ultimately lands in Tempe.
He is the first commit in Arizona State’s class of 2024, though the Sun Devils hosted four-star Jahki Howard back in September and are heavily involved with three-stars Amier Ali and Casmir Chavis.
In terms of playstyle, Smith mentioned his versatility and two-way offensive game.
“I will bring versatility on the offensive and defensive side of the ball,” he said. “Offensively with ball handling and shooting, face-up game, etc. Defensively with blocking and altering shots, switching through the 1-5, etc along with running the floor, and rebounding.”
Smith’s teammate Aleks Alston — the No. 1 player out of Illinois in the class of 2025 — holds an offer from Arizona State, though the two haven’t been actively pursuing a pairing.
“Me and Aleks are close, but we haven’t talked about ASU outside of my commitment,” he said. “I support Aleks with whatever college decision he chooses to make in the future.”
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