Noah Smith
DePaul
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Scout Report
When a 6-8 forward from Indiana locks up early with DePaul, you know there's something brewing beneath the surface. Noah Smith's commitment to the Blue Demons raised eyebrows across the Midwest recruiting circuit, and for good reason.
Background
Plainfield, Indiana has produced its share of basketball talent over the years, and Smith is carrying that torch into 2026. Growing up in this basketball-rich community just outside Indianapolis, he's been immersed in Hoosier hoops culture from day one. At Plainfield High School, Smith has developed into the kind of versatile big man that college coaches covet in today's game. His AAU experience has helped him refine his skill set against elite national competition.
Playing Style
Smith plays with an intelligence that belies his age, reading the game at both ends and making smart decisions in traffic. He's comfortable operating in the post but doesn't limit himself to traditional big man duties. His court vision allows him to facilitate from the high post, and he's willing to step out and stretch the floor when the situation calls for it. Defensively, Smith uses his length and positioning to alter shots without always going for the spectacular block. He moves his feet well enough to switch on smaller players, giving his team defensive versatility. The motor runs consistently - he's not taking plays off or disappearing for long stretches.
Strengths
Smith's basketball IQ is his calling card, consistently making the right read whether he's facing up or posting down low. His soft touch around the rim translates to reliable scoring in close, and he's developing a consistent mid-range game that keeps defenders honest. The passing ability from the forward spot is advanced for his age - he sees angles and timing that many bigs miss entirely. His length disrupts passing lanes and creates problems for opposing offenses even when he's not getting steals.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength will be crucial as he faces more physical college competition. His perimeter shooting shows promise but needs to become more consistent to truly stretch defenses. Developing a quicker first step off the dribble would make his face-up game more dangerous.
Player Comparison
Smith reminds me of a young Jalen Smith from Indiana - similar frame, basketball IQ, and developing skill set. Both players use their length effectively without relying solely on athleticism, and both have the court vision to impact winning beyond just scoring. The comparison fits because neither player overwhelms you physically, but both find ways to affect the game consistently.
Recruitment
DePaul moved quickly to secure Smith's commitment, beating out a solid group that included Big Ten programs like Indiana, Purdue, and Wisconsin. The Blue Demons clearly see him as a cornerstone piece for their rebuild under the current coaching staff. Xavier and Oklahoma State were also heavily involved, but the Chicago connection and early opportunity at DePaul proved decisive. Smith shut down his recruitment relatively early for a player of his caliber, suggesting strong conviction about his choice.
Stat Highlight
Smith's 292 points on the season demonstrate consistent production for Plainfield. Playing alongside highly-ranked 2028 forward Antoine Caughman Jr. has actually benefited both players, as Smith has learned to complement elite talent rather than defer to it. The scoring numbers show he can be a primary option when needed.
Projection
Smith projects as a versatile four-man who can play multiple roles at the college level. His ceiling is as a skilled stretch four who can initiate offense and defend multiple positions - exactly what modern college basketball demands. Professional potential exists if he continues developing his perimeter skills and adds the necessary strength.
Updated Apr 8, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Offers
8
DePaul
Signed
Chose DePaul over 7 other offers
Oklahoma State
Indiana
Purdue
WisconsinOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.