Belmont’s 6’3 PG Jack Smiley is one of the most intriguing non High Major Freshmen in college basketball.
For the season Smiley averaged 9/2/3 on 48/44/81 splits in only 17 MPG. While being one of the best 6th men in all of college basketball.
Smiley’s mix of shooting, pace, craft, passing, decision making, and finishing for his age is something that you don’t see often and he has a high ceiling.
Smiley was one of the best PNR operators in the country this season where he finished the year in the 96th percentile in PNR play. Smiley’s ability to find his teammates with his vision and decision making along with his 3 level scoring helped him be a standout in the PNR. Smiley is also a skilled off ball player with his high level shooting ability and cutting, he’s also a strong connective passer.
Smiley was one of 4 underclassmen this season who had an AST% of 25, and shot 40% from three on 40 makes, joining Cam Boozer, Christian Anderson, LaBaron Philon, and Darius Acuff.
6’10 Freshman Wing Brady Koehler is one of the most intriguing longterm NBA Draft prospects.
Koehler had a strong freshman season for Notre Dame where he averaged 6 PPG along with a block and steal a game in only 16 MPG. He also shot 45% from the field and 38% from three.
At 6’10 with good movement ability Koehler has the ability to play multiple different positions on the court with his skill versatility. Koehler is a strong shooter who shot 38% from three and uses his size to his advantage to shoot over players. Koehler is also a strong driver and off ball finisher who shot 63% at the rim. Koehler is also an impactful defender who uses his vertical athleticism and size to defend multiple positions.
Koehler and Trevon Brazile also the only High Major players in college basketball this season to have a BLK% of 5, a STL% of 2 and shoot 35% from three on 5 attempts a game per 40.
I was impressed with Notre Dame freshman forward Brady Koehler today. He didn’t take a shot, but I counted 3 deflections, a block and 2 offensive rebounds.
Koehler’s length could play early in key defensive situations. https://t.co/uUEkxCwkS0
Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense.
Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I’m going to “come back stronger”. What a cliche lol, this shit sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind. Feel like I’m rambling, but I know this is something I’ll look back on when I’m through this, as something I’m proud I fought through. It feels good to let this shit out without y’all seeing the kid ugly cry.
At 25, I’ve already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I’ll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special.
Indy, I’m sorry. If any fan base doesn’t deserve this, it’s y’all. But together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot, and get over this hurdle. I don’t doubt for a second that y’all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. “There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.” And that’s exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right.
My journey to get to where I am today wasn’t by happenstance, I’ve pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that. The most important part of this all, is that I’m grateful. I’m grateful for every single experience that’s led me here. I’m grateful for all the love from the hoop world. I don’t “have to” go through this, I get to go through this. I’m grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I’ll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton.
-0
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Hey @Coach_Shrews these 2 grew up playing in Hinkle. I think it’s time they get to play in Hinkle again. October 17th, ☘️ vs 🐶 in an Exhibition Game, what do you say?
Brady Koehler fits the description that many NBA teams look for. He’s an efficient versatile forward with good size and a player to keep an eye on as he develops.
@BradyKoehler3