Arizona State basketball on the short list for a three-star

TEMPE, Ariz. — Three-star center Jaden Smith out of Chicago has announced his top five schools and Arizona State basketball made the cut. Smith, a 6’11 center, has narrowed his choices down to Loyola Chicago, Depaul, Dayton, Fordham, and the Sun Devils.

Out of the five remaining schools he has received a scholarship from all of them and has visited each one except for Dayton.

Arizona State basketball makes cut for three-star prospect

Smith is listed as the fifth-best player in Illinois, the 29th-best center, and the 168th-best overall prospect in the 2024 class according to 247 Sports Composite rankings.

Currently, Smith attends Kenwood High School in Chicago where he has helped Kenwood go 53-16 over the past two seasons.

Through the 45 games he played in Smith has averaged five points, an assist, five rebounds, and two blocks per game.

While some of the stats may seem a little low that does not show the hustle that Smith brings to the court every day whether it be practice or a game.

Basketball evaluators have described Smith as a high-energy player with long arms and a knack for the ball. In addition, he is a good rebounder, as you can see in the stats and a good internal defender. High-energy players who can defend and rebound are invaluable in college hoops.

One thing that ASU does have going for them is an internal connection.

The Irvin connection.

The current head coach at Kenwood Academy, Michael Irvin, is related to current Arizona State basketball assistant coach Nick Irvin.

The Irvin family has been a vital part of basketball in the Chicago basketball scene. Michael Irvin runs an EYBL team, an elite youth basketball team sponsored by Nike, for which Smith plays.

Nick Irvin is part of Chicago basketball royalty, with his late father Mac sponsoring one of the most recognizable AAU programs in the nation, the Mac Irvin Fire. He followed in his father’s footsteps, making an impact on the Chicago basketball scene. Irvin was the Head Coach of Morgan Park High School for 12 seasons prior to his time coaching in college. During his tenure, the Mustangs compiled a 301-70 record, including two separate back-to-back IHSA Class 3A State Title runs in 2013-14 and 2017-18.

Irvin’s Chicago connection could prove useful in the recruitment of Smith.

Currently, Smith does not have a set commitment date, nor does he have a date to narrow his school list down anymore.

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