Mark Smith commits to....

[BassProCat]

Illini.

 

[flacat22]

I'd like to think that Cal conceded or steered him to Antigua because he knows better are staying/coming.

 

[bookerfan66]

I think he will be a good player in the future.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Good spot for him.

 

[dorkmeister]

He will have a solid 4 years there. If he RS this year he could be working on his masters when he is done. Good for him.

 

[YourPublicEnemy]

Thanks for the click bait.

 

[brianpoe]

He will have a solid 4 years there. If he RS this year he could be working on his masters when he is done. Good for him.

Then eventually be our grad transfer...

 

[wyldcatsfan]

Declared for the NBA draft...too soon?

 

[dckala2_rivals16641]

Never heard of her.

 

[kevcat]

Illinois definitely needed him.

I hope he does well there.

 

[Blueblood410]

Cue the narrative that Illinois beat Cal and Smith refused Cal's double briefcase offer.

 

[EclipsingYou]

Nice player. Too talented to be talked into playing a reserve role for the first year or two.

Will enjoy following his career!

I wish we could've nabbed him over Baker, but I trust in Cal!

 

[westerncat]

I don't think it really surprised anyone who followed recruiting in the last week or so. After Baker committed to UK I think that pretty well closed the book on Smith.

 

[KA4Prez_rivals78700]

We needed 2 of Smith, Johnson and Diallo. Better hope Diallo returns.

 

[FFWhite]

Good spot for him. Cats lost a little interest after Baker committed. Should be a good player for Illinois.

 

[UK_fan_41102]

I wish the kid well, as he gets to stay in-state and play at Illinois. With Baker already on board and Johnson "supposedly" a strong UK lean, I just didn't see any chance of Smith coming to UK.

 

[Tampa_cat54_rivals112262]

With Baker and (soon-to-be) Johnson added to the roster, smart move for Smith!

Wish him well, hope he succeeds

 

[bookerfan66]

We needed 2 of Smith, Johnson and Diallo. Better hope Diallo returns.

You forgot about Baker.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Great fit and probably his dream spot. We're likely to get our guys, Coach O lands one, and the kid finds a good fit. Worked out well all around.

 

[Anon1658882690]

Nice player. Too talented to be talked into playing a reserve role for the first year or two.

Will enjoy following his career!

I wish we could've nabbed him over Baker, but I trust in Cal!

**** no.. I'd take one Baker over two Smiths..

 

[mebeblue2]

We needed 2 of Smith, Johnson and Diallo. Better hope Diallo returns.

we just really needed 1 of the 3 you listed
with Baker that will give us 4 guards

 

[Fannin12]

Stripper's involved?

 

[UKEE93]

You forgot about Baker.

I think he/she meant in addition to Baker, Gilgeous-Alexander
and Green.

 

[KA4Prez_rivals78700]

we just really needed 1 of the 3 you listed
with Baker that will give us 4 guards

Green
Alexander
Baker

Who am I missing here?

Last year we had 2 lottery picks, a returning 5-star and 2 Senior guards, and didn't even make the Final Four. Given the quality this year isn't as good, I'm thinking we need at least 5 guards to rotate.

 

[JwUKFan11]

Green
Alexander
Baker

Who am I missing here?

Last year we had 2 lottery picks, a returning 5-star and 2 Senior guards, and didn't even make the Final Four. Given the quality this year isn't as good, I'm thinking we need at least 5 guards to rotate.

If Diallo comes back we'll be fine with those 4, but if not....

 

[mjj_2K]

Green
Alexander
Baker

Who am I missing here?

Last year we had 2 lottery picks, a returning 5-star and 2 Senior guards, and didn't even make the Final Four. Given the quality this year isn't as good, I'm thinking we need at least 5 guards to rotate.

Last year we also basically had no small forwards. That should not be a problem this upcoming season. Diallo playing is important, but UK won't need 5 guards this year.

I will be surprised if Vanderbilt and Washington combine for less than 60 minutes per game. And I think that will be a good thing, because both of them have a really good, diverse set of skills. Add in another 40 for however the PG minutes play out, and you're looking at 50% of available PT right there.

 

[caneintally]

If Diallo comes back we'll be fine with those 4, but if not....

We will be good regardless . If Diallo comes back as well , which i suspect he will , then we will be insane.

 

[Blueisbest]

Good luck to Mark Smith at Illinois. Now, hopefully, we can get Cam Johnson to sign and Diallo to not stay in the NBA. If that happens we will be fine.

 

[Thompkins4uk]

I admit, I wanted Mark Smith. I think he's a complete basketball player. He's a big guard, good handle, good shooter with range, nice athlete, nice hops, he can drive and score through contact, and he just this year started concentrating on basketball. But, good luck to him.