While many are assuming that Andrew Wiggins will top the 2014 NBA draft class, Marcus Smart is making a convincing case for his chance to be taken first. The Oklahoma State sophomore was supposed to already be in the league, but after any early exit in the NCAA tournament, he opted to return for another year. Now as everyone focuses on Wiggins, Smart is letting his play do all the talking for him.
Smart put up a big game against Memphis on Tuesday night that has everyone talking about the talent in the young point guard. Smart scored a career-high 39 points while going 5-of-10 from the 3-point line and 12-of-16 from the foul line. He added five steals and four rebounds during the nationally broadcasted game.
"I've always been the underdog; I like it, I love it, I take it to heart, Smart said, via ESPN.com. "As a competitor, you don't want anyone to top you; you always want to be mentioned in that category. Before the game, I went into the zone where I told myself, whatever I can to help this team win, I'm not going to let the team down tonight. I came out real aggressive. [I wanted to] set the tone early for my team."
Now the Smart Show has everyone talking, including current NBA players. Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant has been watching Smart since his freshman season. He expected to already be playing against the point guard until Smart announced his intentions on returning. Now, Durant thinks he could be the best NBA prospect in the NCAA right now.
"Marcus can play in the league right now. Definitely," Durant said, via USA Today Sports after attending the game. "He was just unbelievable for them tonight. He was doing it all for them, rebounding, blocking shots, passing, scoring. He led them. I knew he could do everything pretty well. But I like his demeanor. I like how he handles his teammates. A player like him, he always can burst out and get 30 or 40 points."
Durant praised Smart for his decision to return to school for another year and he thinks it will pay off when the point guard is ready to turn pro. Durant believes the extra year has helped Smart grow his basketball knowledge, something teams will notice some draft time.
The point guard put up his impressive game in front of Thunder coach Scott Brooks and a handful of NBA scouts, all monitoring his progress. Smart will join Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Julius Randle in a star-studded 2014 draft class.