Growing prospect Alex Smith impresses for Upper Arlington at Ohio State basketball camp
As his stature has grown, so has Alex Smith’s game.
A year ago, the Upper Arlington forward stood roughly 6-6 and was primarily playing as a small forward for the Golden Bears. Thursday, the 6-9 Smith and his teammates played three games at Ohio State’s team camp inside the Jerome Schottenstein Center, where he showcased his growing frame.
Having just completed his second season of high school basketball, Smith said the increased physical gifts have allowed him to improve his all-around game.
“It’s opened a lot because I’m no longer a 3, I’m a 3/4 and I can play the 5 and I’m like a big guard who can move really well,” he said, standing inside the southwest rotunda. “That’s helped me a lot. I’m a matchup nightmare. There’s not really people out there who can guard me who are that height.”
It’s also opened up his recruitment. Smith said he’s landed scholarship offers from Bryant, Toledo, Ohio and Indiana while fielding growing interest from other high-major schools. Ohio State, which hosted him for an unofficial visit during the fall, is in the latter category as Smith said he’s hoping to build relationships with first-year coach Jake Diebler’s coaching staff.
As Upper Arlington played Pickerington North inside one of the practice gyms, Diebler, associate head coach Joel Justus and assistants Talor Battle, Dave Dickerson and Luke Simons were all scattered around the court watching.
“Briefly in the hall I’ve talked to a few of the coaches and met them,” he said. “I talked to Diebler back on another visit, and if he gives me the opportunity to take another one I definitely will. I definitely want to meet all the coaches and build a good relationship because a lot of his staff is new.”
An honorable mention Division I all-state selection after averaging 14.5 points per game as a sophomore, Smith landed his offer from the Hoosiers in February.
“It was great,” he said. “It gave me chills when coach (Mike Woodson) was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to offer you.’ It was amazing. They brought me down for a game and I came back for another one and built a really good relationship with the staff. They’re all great dudes.”
Smith said Diebler was one of a couple of coaches to watch him during the May live evaluation period and that he’s hoping to spend more time with the Buckeyes this summer. He’s a likely candidate to be invited back for a visit this summer, and Smith said he’ll have a better feel for his recruitment once coaches can officially start reaching out June 15.
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For now, he’s focusing on growing his vertical leap, putting on weight and getting better with his shooting and dribbling, he said.
“(My relationship with Ohio State) has really been great,” he said. “I’ve always had a good relationship with Diebler, and I’ve grown up a Buckeyes fan. Being down the street from here, it’s really like a dream come true, coming in here. They’re showing me love and interest. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Ohio State has a commitment from Garfield Heights, Ohio, guard Marcus Johnson in its 2026 class. Smith is listed as the No. 4 prospect from Ohio in his class according to prephoops.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Upper Arlington's Alex Smith showcases game at Ohio State team camp
