N.C. State freshman Dennis Smith Jr. might be one of the best-kept secrets in the country. The former five-star recruit arrived in Raleigh with high expectations -- and thus far he has passed with flying colors.
The 6-foot-3 star is averaging 18.9 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Wolfpack, who are now an impressive 11-2 on the season after knocking off Rider 99-71 on Wednesday.
He can get it done in a number of ways as a point guard. He's a crafty player in space with an ability to create for himself, he's way above average as far as his athleticism for a point guard, and can make difficult plays look pretty simple with his talent. It's part of why Gary Parrish has him fourth on the early list of NBA draft prospects for 2017.
So it should come as no surprise to anyone following him that he basically levitated through the lane with ease against Rider to throw down this vicious dunk in N.C. State's victory.
THE Dennis Smith Jr. 💪💪🔥🔥 @SportsCenter#SCtop10pic.twitter.com/yVydsVYoIW
— NC State Men's Bball (@PackMensBball) December 29, 2016
I mean, sheesh. That's just absurd. He took flight from inside the lane, but he reared the ball back so hard it almost looked like he had to dislocate his shoulder to do so.
Smith Jr. finished with 19 points and 16 assists in the Wolfpack's victory. So it was a pretty average showing for him overall, relative to his season stats. But he gave us just a small sample of the type of talent we will likely be seeing in the NBA next season.