Top prospect Jabari Smith Jr. teased his future plans after an early exit in the NCAA Tournament.
“I feel like if I had to make a decision a thousand more times, I wouldn’t choose nowhere else but Auburn,” Smith Jr. said, via ESPN.
Smith Jr. had a tough shooting night in Auburn’s 79-61 loss to Miami shooting 3-16 from the field, 1-8 from three, and 3-6 from the line.
However, Smith Jr. finished with 10 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.
“He’s such a great competitor and such a great teammate,” Auburn’ men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl said of Smith Jr.
“He’s not selfish. He’s hardworking. He’s disciplined. He’s a pro. He had a great experience at Auburn, and he made history at Auburn. Obviously, I’m very, very proud of him.”
In 34 games at Auburn, Smith Jr. averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds on 43%/42%/80% shooting splits.
If the NBA Draft were held today, chances are Smith Jr. would be taken first or second overall.
Disappointing tourney aside – the future is certainly bright for Smith Jr.