As for Marcus Smart, I've said it before with regard to our recruiting of him. I think he's very special, but if either his game or his size don't change, he will be a liability on the defensive end, depending on where a coach tries to play him. At the next level, he's a definite tweener. His body (or more specifically, his height and length) are more that of a 2, but his game and ability to readily defend are that of a 3/4.
Sam, I know you've disagreed with me before about this, but I still stand on the fact that should he not change his defensive skill set or grow a couple of inches, he would be at a match-up disadvantage against most elite-level, top-20 type programs. He will be fine against most of the Big12; however, I personally am hoping to compete for sweet 16's, elite 8's, and final 4's by the time his class rolls in and graduates out of Norman.
That said, if I were Capel, I'd still be recruiting him heavily though. For two reasons if nothing else. 1. I think he's a VERY special player aside from the above, with leadership skills, a winning attitude, and a high bball I.Q. How often do we run across a true superstar who is clearly the hardest worker and most aggressive player on the floor every time he laces them up? And 2. who knows how tall he's going to be? He's just now turning 16. Most guys do not stop growing at 16.
