Javonte Smart is a matchup nightmare for opponents. Standing at 6’4”, Smart has proved to be one of the most explosive point guards in the nation. This month, he has gone on a tear, averaging nearly 35 points per game and now, as he nears the end of his Sophomore year and the beginning of his Junior year, the offers are expected to pile in. With offers from schools such as LSU, Baylor, and Alabama, Smart should expect to see an influx of scholarship offers next year and in regards to the recruiting process, Smart is taking things slow: “I really don’t worry about it too much right now. I’m just waiting until I get further along in the process.” Smart said. “ I’m open to all schools. I’m waiting to see what schools I get offers from.”

 

     Born on June 3, 1999, Smart has been a menace on the court since he started playing at the age of four. Smart originally started playing basketball with his grandmother and it is clear that his family has had a vital role in his evolution as a player, saying, “They just make sure that I keep going and keep working hard, making sure that I stay in the gym and everything will pay off if I work hard enough.”

Basketball hasn’t been the only sport that Smart has excelled at. Up until the age of 13, Smart was a three-sport athlete, playing football and baseball. There is no doubt that playing other sports aside from basketball has helped Smart develop his game: “They helped me keep my mind moving and communicate with others.” Said the point guard.

 

     While Smart has been on the national radar for a few years already, it wasn’t his Sophomore season this year that he truly earned his status as an elite player in the Class of 2018. Even with all of his recent attention, the 16-year-old has made it a priority to block it all out and focus on his game: “I don’t think it’s pressure.” Smart Explained. “I think it’s motivation because I want to be at the top and I know I’m not at the top right now, so I have to keep working.”

Smart’s motivation has driven him to get better, not only with his high school team but also with his AAU team, Elfrid Payton Elite. Being a sophomore, the 6’4”, 175lb Point guard has been able to learn from older players that are going through the same experiences as him. As he says, “They have a lot of older guys that talk to me and go through the recruiting process. They also tell me what I need to work on to get better.”

 

     Despite his success, it’s been anything but a cakewalk for Smart. After the death of his father, Smart has had to overcome his emotions and just work on perfecting his craft. “I’ve just needed to keep working hard and making sure that I’m better than everyone around me. I’m just doing what I can do.” Commented Smart. “I’m motivated by my dad because he’s not here to watch me, but he’s watching from up above.”

His ability to stay dedicated, along with his passion for the game, has led to many accolades and awards for the Baton Rouge native, most notably his selection to the 2015 USA Men’s U16 National team. “Winning a gold medal with Team USA was my greatest achievement.” Smart acknowledged. “ It was good because not too many people have the chance to do it.”

 

    From winning a gold medal with Team USA to being named one of the top players in the Class of 2018, Javonte Smart has undoubtedly accomplished a lot in his basketball career so far, but with a couple years left in high school and plenty of time to work on his game, it seems that the best is yet to come. As he said it best himself, “I’m just going to keep getting better and keep working hard. There is nobody that can stop me from getting my work.”