UA gets commitment from big man for '09

The Arizona Wildcats have a new anchor for their 2009 basketball recruiting class.

Literally and figuratively.

Greg Smith, a top 40 post player from California, on Monday became the Wildcats' only 2009 commitment so far after point guard Abdul Gaddy opted out of his commitment last month.

At a powerful 6 feet 8 inches, 230 pounds, Smith also has the kind of power and athleticism that should allow the Wildcats to build around him — if he can get past academic concerns and develop his potential on the court.

"He's got huge upside," said Jerry Meyer, analyst for Rivals.com. "He's ranked where he is based on half potential and half of what he is. If he maxes it out, he can be in that five-star range… . He's got great size and brings a lot of energy. His scoring game is developing, and I expect it will develop."

Smith's uncle, Stephen Shelley, said Smith chose the Wildcats over Fresno State while also receiving considerable interest from a number of other major programs.

Even as a freshman in 2009, Smith is likely to make a difference immediately simply due to his physical presence. That could be a nice weapon to have — especially in the increasingly deliberate, defensive Pac-10.

"I think he will make an impact because he gives Arizona some muscle," Meyer said. "Right off the bat he'll give them an enforcing presence who can match up athletically with some other good athletes on the perimeter."

Greg Hicks, the West Coast analyst for Scout.com, said he ranks Smith right behind Los Angeles' Renardo Sidney as the No. 2 center in the West. While Smith's size fits the prototypical mold of a power forward, Hicks said he has the ability to play bigger than he is.

"He's got long arms, he's quick off his feet, and he moves really well," Hicks said. "Last year he wasn't a great offensive player, but he's come a long way in that department. He's got the beginnings of a jump hook and has a lot of potential. He isn't close to what he's going to be."

In order to get here, though, Smith must first sign a binding letter-of-intent in November and finish his senior year at Bethel High School in Vallejo, Calif. He transferred from Edison High in Fresno this spring. While doing so, he must clear up academic issues that several basketball analysts say have concerned college recruiters.

Even Shelley said Smith has plenty of work to do.

"I'm happy he committed to the University of Arizona," Shelley said. "I said, 'That's fine. Now you need to take care of business.'"

While Shelley declined to elaborate, a Fresno Bee story earlier this month said Shelley arranged to have Smith attend Bethel, where Shelley's brother is assistant principal and has taken guardianship of Smith.

Shelley told the Bee that Smith's father has never been a part of his life and that his mother — Shelley's sister — is not physically or financially fit to care for her son.

"Greg was born with major issues," Shelley told the Bee, adding that Smith is "absolutely too distracted in Fresno."

Smith's expected arrival at the UA will be a welcome one. The Wildcats, who have only 11 scholarship players onboard for the coming season, could lose Brandon Jennings, Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger to early professional departures, plus senior Fendi Onobun, after next season.

Chances are Smith will be just as excited to arrive. Shelley said that, aside from visiting campus informally during the Arizona Cactus Classic last month, Smith did not need to take an unofficial visit to the UA or any other distant school he was considering.

Shelley said Smith also received interest from Memphis, USC, UCLA, California, Kansas, Kansas State and Florida.

"He said it came down to between Arizona and Fresno State, and he felt his heart was with Arizona," Shelley said. "He's always wanted to play for Lute Olson at the University of Arizona."

Smith was unavailable for comment.