How Illinois commit Mark Smith went from potential MLB draft pick to big-time college hoops recruit

Posted May 8, 2017
Mark Smith had his future all mapped out. As a high school junior, he committed to Missouri to play baseball as a right-handed pitcher with a fastball sitting in the low 90s. If he continued to improve his velocity and command, there was reason to believe his big 6’5, 225-pound frame could make him an MLB draft pick before he ever arrived on campus. (SB Nation)

Related: College Basketball Recruiting

Five-star center Darius Wabbington cuts Louisville from list
Louisville basketball gets a crushing update from one of the nation’s top 2027 recruits Monday, as the Cardinals learned they are no longer being considered...
Thu Sep 10, 2026

Five-star guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. commits to UConn
Class of 2027 5-star combo guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. of Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame has committed to the Connecticut Huskies after spending last weekend...
Thu Sep 10, 2026

No. 26 ranked Chase Lumpkin commits to Alabama basketball
Top-30 junior Chase Lumpkin is headed to Alabama. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound combo guard out of McEachern High School has committed to Nate Oats and the...
Wed Sep 9, 2026

4-star SF Howard Williams commits to Arizona State basketball
Four-star small forward Howard Williams has committed to Arizona State, he told Rivals. The 6-foot-6 senior out of Dynamic Prep (TX) is ranked as the...
Wed Sep 9, 2026