NBC Names Dennis Smith Jr. Preseason All-American

Earlier in the month, Athlon put NC State freshman Dennis Smith Jr. on their Preseason All-American Third Team. Yesterday, NBCSports released their Preseason All-American teams, and Smith made their 2nd team. Here’s what they had to say about him.

Dennis Smith Jr., N.C. State: Smith tore his ACL last August, forcing him to miss his senior season of high school. But the injury meant that he was able to graduate high school early, enroll in college in January and spend the majority of his rehab time doing so with the Wolfpack trainers. The result? He’s returned from the injury as good as new, which is important considering the fact that so much of what makes Smith dangerous is his explosiveness. A potential top five pick, Smith is talented enough that he could take a perennially under-achieving team to the NCAA tournament. (NBCSports)

Here is a breakdown of the other ACC players that made NBC’s All-American teams:

Grayson Allen – Duke – 1st Team

Austin Nichols – Virginia – 2nd Team

Jaron Blossomgame – Clemson – 3rd Team

Jayson Tatum – Duke – 3rd Team