Shaunessy Smith Signs With Mississippi State

Yes thats right, SIGNS not just commits. Shaunessy Smith actually committed months ago but this blog has taken up the policy of waiting for the L.O.I to be signed. Smith, out of Noxubee County, signed with Stansbury's Bulldogs on Wednesday.

Here's the scouting services thoughts:

Shaunessy Smith
Ht: 6'6" Wt: 195
Scout	**** #23 SG
Rivals	***
ESPN	89 #38 SG

As you can see, Smith is very well thought of. He is considered by many to be the top player in Mississippi this year. He held offers from Clemson, Ole Miss, and USC among others. Smith averaged 25.1 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals last year.

The scary thing is that Smith might actually be underrated. He played all last season with a torn ligament in his hip and still put up those numbers. You have to think he'll only be better this season. On top of that, after the season he had surgery to repair the ligament thus missing all the summer camps, AAU events, and so on.

Here is the ESPN evaluation. You might want to take a look at it, they think highly of him. Smith could wind up playing either SG or SF. Sounds like a top level talent but without the "me me me" attitude often associated with them. Sure he can score but apparently he does all the little less glamorous things too.

Huge signing for Rick Stansbury. That leaves one spot still open assuming no unexpected attrition (big assumption given recent history). Yes this may be only a two person class. You have to think Stansbury is looking for a big man. A C if he can find one or a PF otherwise. Don't expect the spot to be filled in the early signing period though.