Jai Smith isn’t originally from the Southeast, but he made himself known to the region at the HoopSeen/Be The Beast Always Live Showcase.

Originally from Syracuse, New York, the 6’9” power forward helped Tea Marie Hoops 16’s finish 2-0 Saturday, including an 11-point performance in a 79-50 win over Game Elite 3SSB 2023. 

The rising junior transferring to Oak Hill Academy is a straight-up rim runner. He’s long and has the bounce and energy to play end to end, throwing down dunks on offense and defending the rim on defense. While he doesn’t appear to be the type to step outside the arc and pop threes for his team, he did show the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper.

Smith holds offers from multiple high majors and power five schools, and he’s been in contact with others, too. 

“A lot of good high majors have been reaching out, and a lot of high majors have offered,” Smith said. “Mostly, I just want to go to the school that fits me best, the school that feels like a family and develops me into a professional player.”

Smith said he’s received offers from Rutgers, Arizona, Siena, UMass and Eastern Kentucky, among others. He’s also been in contact with head coach Bob Huggins and West Virginia.

“UMass, Rutgers, and West Virginia have been reaching out a lot,” Smith said. ““Huggy Bear”’ has been reaching out a lot.”

Watching Smith play, it’s clear he loves basketball and being out on the court with his teammates. He had a smile on his face many times during the game, as well as after the game while he talked about his recruitment and play style.

“My favorite part of the game is dunking but also getting my teammates involved and just having a good time out there,” Smith said.