Last April, the Virginia basketball team found itself in the middle of a minor free fall after a dismal end to the 2001-2002 season. The Cavaliers had preformed miserably in the ACC, fallen off the NCAA bubble, and lost at home to South Carolina in the NIT.
At season's end, fans began to question coach Pete Gillen's control of the team. Rumors abounded concerning the players off-court activity. To add to Gillen's problems, top assistant Tommy Herrion left to coach the College of Charleston. Lastly, the team's most valuable player, Roger Mason Jr., decided to forego his senior season and enter the NBA draft. The floundering Cavaliers found themselves in dire need of help.
Enter Devin Smith.
April 25, Gillen once again waved his magical recruiting wand. He gained a commitment from Devin Smith, a junior college sensation who was considering Iowa and Final-Four participant Kansas. Gillen practically stole Smith from under Roy Williams' nose. The 6-foot-6 swingman was attending Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, and seemed to a sure thing for the Jayhawks. It was a tremendous pick-up for the Cavaliers, one that re-instilled faith in the increasingly maligned program.
Smith originally hails from Delaware, and it is likely the close proximity of Charlottesville was an inviting feature of committing to Virginia. In high school, he dominated the state, winning player of the year and state tournament MVP honors in 2001.
Despite Smith's resume of success, most Division 1 schools overlooked his abilities. He attributes this fact to his playing out of position in high school. At 6-foot-6, Smith was forced to play in the post.
"I didn't really get recruited out of high school by a lot of schools, but that's because I think I played at the wrong position to really make myself a good prospect," he said.
Shunned by the bigger schools, Smith went off to Coffeyville, where he led the team to a Junior College National Championship and gained JCUO All-American honors. Playing his natural position of a shooting guard/small forward, Smith was able to let his natural shooting ability shine. In his one season at Coffeyville, he averaged over 18 points per game. More impressively, he made over 45 percent of his three-point attempts (85-for-182). As Smith's amazing numbers began to pile up, bigger schools started to take interest.
As of early April, Smith seemed all but locked up to Kansas. However, using that wit and charm he's known for, Gillen cajoled the sophomore to visit Charlottesville. By the end of the month, he was a welcome addition to a Cavalier recruiting class that already included top 40 prospect Derrick Byars.
"I thought I could make the most impact at Virginia immediately," Smith said.
Devin was recruited primarily to do what he does best: shoot the ball. The Cavaliers were abysmal from beyond the arc last season. Outside of Mason, the team did not have anyone who could consistently knock down the long-range jumper. In response, ACC opponents zoned Virginia to death, daring them to shoot the ball from the outside. With the additions of Smith, Byars and transfer point-guard Todd Billet, Virginia should prove much better in that aspect of the game this season.
"Devin is a terrific player and he can be a special player here," Gillen said. "We like what he has to offer, especially as a shooter. Our weakness last year was outside shooting and he can definitely shoot the ball."
Smith has no doubts about his ability and completely understands the role he will play in the Cavalier's system.
"I think I'm a good shooter and that I can help the team improve from the perimeter," he said.
Since arriving in Charlottesville, Smith has had arthroscopic knee surgery. He did not play in the team's Orange-Blue scrimmage, but is confident he'll be ready to go by the start of the season.
"I haven't had a chance to play any pickup games over the summer because I got my knee scoped," Smith said. "I have been working on rehabbing it a little, but it shouldn't be a problem once the season starts."
Despite the injury, Smith has been more than happy in his new home.
"Now that I'm here at Virginia, it's really been a thrill," he said. "I can't wait for the season to get started and see what happens."
It would be unfair to hail Devin Smith as the savior of Virginia basketball or to pencil him in as a replacement for Roger Mason Jr. However, one cannot ignore the comparisons between the two. Most obviously, both are excellent shooters, but the similarities continue below the surface.
Mason exhibited his never-say-die attitude in both victory and defeat here at Virginia, and will always be remembered as a winner. Similarly, Smith has exhibited a strong ability to succeed throughout his career. In addition to his personal accolades and his JUCO national title, Smith also won two state titles in high school. Now, at the highest level of college hoops, he looks forward to succeeding again.
"I can do it at this level," he said. "I know it will be a challenge, but I think I'm up for the challenge."
As play begins, the Cavaliers will have a number of question marks. Most importantly, how will the incoming players blend with the returnees? While these questions will not be answered until the season gets underway, one thing is almost certain. In whatever capacity he is needed, Devin Smith will respond, contributing to the team, and hopefully to the team's success. Smith, who succeeded while playing his entire high school career out of position, will be a refreshing and valuable asset to the Virginia program in an era when players around the nation seem to worry more about personal accolades than "team play."
"I did whatever I could to help my team [in high school], and that's what I'll do here," he said.
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