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He’s very special, Underwood said. Physically, he looks the part of a 20-22 year old at 6-4, 220. It’s unfair for me to do it but I compare him to Jason Kidd; he has that type of athleticism. And his natural instincts are to lead. Once the game slows down and he understands what he wants to do, he will be a fantastic leader. He’s a guy you will see play all over the court. He will be a tough matchup because of that body.”
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I have to be really careful when I talk about Mark,” Underwood said. “I’ve said this privately and now I’ll say it publicly. In my 30 years as a college basketball coach, from the day that young man arrived on campus to this day right now, I’ve never seen a young man improve more than he has...He spends a ton of time on film. He lives and dies basketball and his commitment level is what has impressed me most.”
He’s a future point guard. There’s no question about that,” Underwood said. “He’s got so much to offer not just in terms of his physical traits, but he’s such a great teammate and he’s an unselfish player. His athleticism at that position, his size at that position, he’s going to be a challenge for a lot of people. “He can play a lot of places, but most importantly, he’s a point guard. It’s going to be fun to watch him play with the ball in his hands.”
Mark Smith was a Brad Underwood recruit and Illinois Mr. Basketball. I am surprised that a "Brad Underwood guy" is the first to transfer out of his program.
No positive way to spin his transfer.
Good luck Mark Smith.
