Dennis Smith Jr: The Coach’s Perspective

Dennis Smith Jr. is NC State’s top priority in the 2016 recruiting class.  Then again, he’s a lot of people’s top priority.  He’s ranked as the #4 overall player, and the number #1 point guard in his class.  He is widely considered to be an NC State lean at this point, and personally I would be shocked if he doesn’t run with the Wolfpack.  It’s obvious that recruiting analysts think he’s great, and so do all the fans that watch his mixtape’s.  But what does his coach think?

We caught up with Heath Vandevender, the head coach of Trinity Christian School, to get his take on what coaching Smith has been like.  Vandevender doesn’t have offensive goals for Smith next season.  He has defensive goals for him.

“Junior has gotten better every year.  His roles have changed for us every year.  He will be captain for us this year,” Vandevender said.  “The biggest thing I want him to be for us this year, is to be the defensive leader as well.  I want him to be a ‘shut down’ guy, and take on more leadership responsibility on both sides of the court.  We need to get better defensively, and that starts with your best player, and that’s Junior.”

Vandevender has coached some good players, but says Smith is the best he has ever coached.

“We’ve had other players come through our program that went to Divsision-1 schools.  I coached against John Wall for three years,” said Vandevender.  “We’ve played against some really good people, but Junior is the best player I’ve ever coached.”

Two point guards of their caliber, from the state of North Carolina, in this short period of time…It is inevitable that comparisons between Smith and Wall will be made.

“Both of them are exceptional talents and super athletic.  John has gear with the ball that very few players that I’ve seen have.  He gets down the floor faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.  He’s a little bit taller than Junior.  I believe he’s closer to 6’4″ (Junior is 6’1″),” said Vandevender.  “Junior in my opinion, in high school, is a better offensive player.  Dennis can shoot the three consistently.  He’s a scoring point guard.  John had a lot of really great players surrounding him, like CJ Leslie and Dez Wells.  It’s hard to make comparisons, but I do think they are similar players.  I think that Dennis is a better shooter, and more dangerous on the offensive end to be honest.”