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

No. 1 recruit CJ Rosser on official visit to NC State this week
Five-star forward CJ Rosser, Rivals’ No. 1 overall recruit in the 2027 basketball recruiting class, begins his official visit to North Carolina State on Wednesday,...
Thu Sep 17, 2026

5-star SG Jordan Page scheduled to take official visit to UConn
Five-star shooting guard Jordan Page is scheduled to be on campus at UConn this weekend for an official visit, sources told Rivals. The 6-foot-5 senior...
Wed Sep 16, 2026

No. 20 ranked Antonio Pemberton set to announce commitment
Antonio Pemberton, one of the top point guards in his class, has set a date for his college decision. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound guard out of...
Wed Sep 16, 2026

5-star C Darius Wabbington moves up official visit to Illinois
Class of 2027 five-star center Darius Wabbington has moved up his official visit to Illinois to this weekend. The 6-foot-11 senior out of Sunnyslope High...
Tue Sep 15, 2026