Smith, state’s top point guard, will wait to sign

Posted Nov 14, 2011 by Nick Williams

Updated Nov 14, 2011 at 12:01 PM

When Faith Baptist School officially celebrated the signing of eight prep and high school basketball players to Division I programs last week, all eyes were on the one player who did not sign—6-foot-4 combo guard Shawn Smith, who is rated as the top point guard in Florida.

Smith, who transferred to Faith Baptist (Brandon) this summer from Jacksonville Providence and is rated by ESPN as the fourth-best prospect in Florida, is verbally committed to the University of Missouri. Smith had previously committed to Central Florida— twice.

“I’m going to wait until the next (signing) period,” Smith said. “I’m staying committed.”

As a junior at powerhouse Jacksonville Arlington Country Day last season, Smith averaged 20 points and 6 assists per game.

Smith, who was rumored to attend a prep school in Connecticut, said he decided to attend Faith Baptist school because of the relationship he has with boys basketball coach Ryan Pannone. Though not a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association, Faith Baptist can play for the independent schools state championship.

The team’s schedule includes some of the top tournaments in the southeast.

“(I want to) try to get better and play for a championship,” Smith said.