Terquavion Smith opts out of NBA Draft: HEEEE’S BAAAAACK!!!

Last year, Terquavion Smith was a record-setting freshman scorer for NC State. He then decided to enter the NBA Draft to get feedback, with the option to pull out by June 1st.

During that time howver, Smith blew up.

Terquavion Smith been hot all day between shooting drills, half court 5x5s. Gaining steam and expected to stay in the draft. Microwave scorers/shotmakers are in and he’s potentially one for an NBA rotation looking for instant offense. pic.twitter.com/AghL4HUSWU

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 18, 2022

Smith excelled at every workout, and soon he was being mentioned as a sure-fire 1st rounder. It started to become more and more likely that Smith would keep his name in the draft.

That was, until today.

Terquavion Smith, a projected first round pick, is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to NC State for his sophomore season, he told ESPN. "I want one more season to just be a college student." Story: https://t.co/GidaCy5Qh1

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 31, 2022

Smith shocked everyone when he decided to pull out and spend one more year in college at NC State.

This bucks the trend of NC State losing guys prematurely to the draft. It’s a feather in Keatts cap as well, showing the fanbase that there is belief in his program from his players.

In a showing of extreme confidence, Smith has decided to bet on himself. To come back, improve, bulk up, and become a potential lottery pick next season.

You have to love this move and it’s going to really cement Smith as a fan favorite this coming season. A kid who could have gone first round, that decided to trust Keatts and NC State with helping him improve, up his stock, and likely reach his ceiling at the college level before turning pro.

Did NIL money come into play? We aren’t sure, but likely when a kid makes a move like this, he has some insurance built in. We’ll keep you updated, but suddenly NC State is looking like a contender for next season.

Take a look at this potential lineup.

PG- Jarkell Joiner (transfer from Ole Miss)
SG- Terquavion Smith
SF- Jack Clark (transfer from LaSalle)
PF- Ernest Ross (coming off injury)
C- DJ Burns (Big South MVP and tranfer from Winthrop)

The bench is also pretty stacked..

PG- Breon Pass
SG- LJ Thomas
SF- Casey Morsell
PF- Greg Gantt
C- Dusan Mahorcic/Ebe Duowuona