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NCAA Basketball: Auburn, Vols, LSU, and UNC in play for 5-star F Jabari Smith

By Tristan Freeman

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 26: Head Coach Rick Barnes of the Tennessee Volunteers talks with a official during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 86-69. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 26: Head Coach Rick Barnes of the Tennessee Volunteers talks with a official during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 86-69. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – DECEMBER 19: Moses Wright #5 congratulates Jose Alvarado #10 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – DECEMBER 19: Moses Wright #5 congratulates Jose Alvarado #10 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Just minutes away from the campus, Smith and Georgia Tech have been linked for a while. And of all the top-tier prospects in the state of Georgia, this one has been the major target for the program. If staying close to home is the most important aspect, look for the Yellow Jackets to be ahead of the Bulldogs in the process.

Unfortunately for the team, they probably would’ve preferred Smith to be in the 2020 recruiting class. That’s because while starting power forward Moses Wright will be leaving after next season, so is All-ACC point guard Jose Alvarado. Making matters more complicated, star junior guard Michael Devoe could leave as well if he has another big year.

Add senior wing Jordan Usher, and that would potentially be the four best players on the roster leaving after next season. That’s not very appealing for Smith to join, even if USC transfer Kyle Sturdivant and three-star 2021 guard commit Miles Kelly proves to be really good.

Still, Smith would be the go-to player on that offense, and playing in the ACC can always be a good selling point. Plenty of quality prospects have opted to stay close to home, and this is the best point Georgia Tech can make to land this one. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to beat the others in this group.

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