By ADAM ZAGORIA
Fordham coach Keith Urgo scored a major coup on Thursday when he landed a commitment from four-star former Arizona State commit Jaden Smith.
The 6-foot-11 Kenwood Academy (IL.) and Mac Irvin Fire AAU product decommitted from Arizona State and then chose Fordham over Louisville, Xavier, Michigan, Butler, and Virginia Tech. He is only the second four-star in program history and is Fordham’s highest rated recruit (No. 81) using ESPN’s grades since 2009.
“I chose Fordham because I love the culture there,” he told ZAGSBLOG. “They have a family-type environment and I have a great relationship with the coaches already. They believe I can be the guy for their program and become an NBA player in the process.”
He initially chose the Sun Devils last October over in-state schools DePaul and Loyola Chicago, as well as Dayton and Fordham, among others.
“As a player, I bring high-level rim protection, offensive and defensive versatility, rebounding, scoring around the rim, a three-point threat, and high energy,” he said.
Said Urgo: “Jaden is a special basketball player and I can’t wait to watch him light up Rose Thrill. He has tremendous size, he’s incredibly athletic and he possesses an uncanny ability to alter shots on defense. Our fans are going to absolutely love what Jaden brings to this program on both ends of the floor.”
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