Alex Smith
"3⭐OL, #78 Durant HS | Bench-315 | squat-485 | C/O 2024 | 6’2-295lbs |OG/OT/DT | 3.0 gpa |📞 (904-832-0966) |Xander.t.smith@icloud.com NCAA ID# 2302775174"
Ohio State
Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
When you're sharing the frontcourt with three top-10 recruits and still managing to carve out your own identity, you're doing something right. That's exactly what's happening at Prolific Prep, where one of the nation's most loaded rosters continues to develop college-ready talent.
Background
Alex Smith made the move from Fort Lauderdale to California to join one of prep basketball's premier programs. The decision to leave South Florida for Prolific Prep wasn't just about competition – it was about learning how to play alongside elite talent every single day. Growing up in Fort Lauderdale's competitive basketball scene provided a solid foundation, but the jump to competing against future lottery picks in practice has accelerated his development. The program's track record of developing big men for high-major programs made it an easy choice for Smith and his family.
Playing Style
Smith plays with the controlled aggression you want from a modern power forward. He's not looking to bulldoze through contact every possession, but he's not shying away from physical play either. His court vision for a 6-9 player is genuinely impressive – he'll find the open shooter when the defense collapses or hit the cutter at exactly the right moment. Defensively, he uses his length well without trying to block every shot that comes his way. The basketball IQ shows up most in transition, where he knows when to run the floor hard and when to trail for the outlet. He plays within himself, which sounds boring but is actually rare for players his age at his size.
Strengths
The passing ability is what separates Smith from most power forwards in this class. He sees angles that most big men miss completely and has the soft touch to deliver passes in tight windows. His shooting mechanics from mid-range are clean and repeatable – the three-point shot is still developing but the foundation is there. What coaches really love is his positioning sense on both ends. He's rarely caught out of place defensively and always seems to know where the next pass should go offensively.
Areas to Watch
The physical development is the obvious one – adding functional strength without losing mobility will determine how much he can impact games at the college level. His post-up game is still raw, which limits his scoring options when the perimeter isn't flowing. The three-point shooting needs to become more consistent to fully unlock his offensive versatility.
Player Comparison
Think a young Lauri Markkanen with better passing instincts but less pure shooting range right now. Both players have that smooth, coordinated movement for their size and natural feel for finding teammates. The shooting development path could follow a similar trajectory if Smith continues improving his range and consistency.
Recruitment
Ohio State locked him up early, recognizing exactly what he brings to their system. Coach Jake Diebler's offense thrives on ball movement and versatile frontcourt players who can make decisions. The Buckeyes beat out programs like Indiana and Cincinnati for his commitment, which says something about how they prioritized his skill set. With his commitment already in place, Smith can focus purely on development rather than the recruiting circus.
Projection
Smith projects as a high-level role player at Ohio State with the potential to develop into something more if the shooting continues improving. His ceiling is as a stretch-four who can facilitate offense and defend multiple positions – exactly what modern college basketball demands. The floor is solid too, because his basketball IQ and passing ability translate regardless of how much his shot develops.
Updated Apr 3, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Ohio State
COLLEGE
Prolific Prep
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
11
Ohio State
Committed
Chose Ohio State over 10 other offers
Cincinnati
Indiana
NebraskaOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Highlights
Social Activity
Im #65 Right Guard White Jersey in yesterdays Blue/Grey game. @JourneyanFuture @ClayboCoach @Buggsnow @BlueGreyFB @UNCP_Football @4Warinner @ssaulnier1 @_Jerome_Smith @DouGPowell_LSU @Coach_TMcC @dan_pippin @haydengarrett25 @CoachAllshouse @CoachKGRoberts @MaxPreps @Coach_Waugh https://x.com/BigBoyAlex2006/status/1752384791415263628/video/1
Had an amazing experience playing in the Blue / Grey game today at Raymond James Stadium. The talent was amazing and I loved the #Grind. It was definitely a earned win. Im ready for my ring 💯😎🏈🏈 https://x.com/BigBoyAlex2006/status/1752095467784081896/photo/1
I will be #65 Right Guard for the Blue/Grey game at Raymond James Stadium tomorrow at 1pm on ESPN 3. #imhungry @ClayboCoach @Buggsnow @JourneyanFuture @BlueGreyFB @PP_All_American @DouGPowell_LSU @_Jerome_Smith https://x.com/BigBoyAlex2006/status/1751778522811539795/video/1