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Name: Leon Smith
College: Martin Luther King H.S.
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 215
Class: High School
Position: Power Forward
Other Position: Small Forward
NBA.com profile
Leon Smith
Stats (Provided by JazzyJ)

N/A

Scouting reports

Scout: JazzyJ

Smith comes out of legendary King HS in Chicago, which has produced its share of high school all-americans in past years. After flirting with the idea of moving to Compton,CA prior to this season, Smith eventually stayed in Chicago, and averaged 25 ppg, 15 rpg, and 6 bpg this past year. There have always been academic questions surrounding him, and even though Fresno State made a big push to sign him (and according to some reports, actually did), Smith made the decision that he wanted to play professionally (whether it be here or overseas) and declared for the draft.

As is the case with other high schoolers who have declared for the draft in recent years, of course Smith is not ready. He is still very raw, but actually does have a fairly decent body to work with immediately. Unlike Jonathan Bender (the other high school player going pro early), Smith doesn't project as a lottery pick, and may not be a 1st round selection. He does figure to at least get picked in the second round. Even so, he may get "sent" overseas to get a little more seasoning, while the team that selected him saves a roster spot while maintaining his rights.


Scout: Maurer4u@aol.com

Strengths: Very quick on the offensive glass uses his big body to take postion on high school centers and just pounds them on the blocks. Can run the floor very well for a player his size although he is no speedster he certainly isn't a plodder. Can be very intimidating on defense were his long arms can block shots with the best of them. Very good rebounder who if he went to college would be called a "windex man" for those Dick Vitale fans out there.

Weakness: Very raw in his low post moves which are almost non-exstistent. Tryies to block everything and picks up dumb fouls. Sometimes he suffers through Tim Thomas Disease in that he looks almost lazy out there. Sometimes Celebrates after a big play which speaks a little about his maturity. Is still needs to how time to learn the game. Poor free throw shooter were he shoots it like Shq

Overall: This kid like Bender should have went to college but unlike Bender who more than likely will be a frst round pick giving him a three year contract one has to wonder if this kid will even get picked if he does it's as a mid to late second round pick averged at Martin Luther King High School .544 fg% .565 ft% 6.0 bpg 14.5 rpg and 25.5 ppg.

Craig Simpson - Usenet Draft Commissioner

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