NCAA Basketball Recruiting: 2022 4-star wing Colin Smith releases top-10

6. Virginia Cavaliers

Tony Bennett’s group managed to take advantage of the ACC’s top teams faltering last year to bring home their 3rd regular-season conference title in the last 4 campaigns. With a frontcourt-heavy group at the top of the roster, the Cavaliers managed to supplant some of their lost production by drastically improving on the offensive side of the court via transfers Sam Hauser and Trey Murphy. Finding better balance on both ends was a crucial advantage for the Cavaliers compared to the previous couple of seasons.

Adding in a player like Smith would continue that level of production on both ends of the floor. As a talented defensive player, with experience guarding top guards on the perimeter, the task of elevating defensive importance and execution under Bennett is not a concern. Smith is a bright kid who can handle both the academics and expectations of one of the ACC’s premier programs. The only issue is that Virginia has yet to officially extend an offer to him and has already begun pursuing other players with similar skillsets.

5. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks managed to secure the regular-season conference title for the 4th time in the last 6 years. Their success under Dana Altman has been very consistent regardless of how the roster is pieced together. While Oregon has typically relied on strong point guard play to carry the day, last season was heavily reliant on versatile forwards capable of filling in the roster gaps.

Smith’s frame and skillset fit that same narrative to a tee. The 6’8” wing has a strong similarity to Eugene Omoruyi and LJ Figueroa from last year’s team and would be able to seamlessly join the Oregon rotation. The Ducks are loaded at the center spot with N’Faly Dante, Nathan Bittle, and Franck Kepnang, but there is room for Smith to slot in at the power forward spot if needed or even the flexibility to truly play on the wings full time.