Jonathan Wasserman on Terquavion Smith’s offense: “Pro shot-maker with the fearlessness to really be dangerous”
N.C. State sophomore Terquavion Smith has been one of the top offensive guards in college basketball. That's just what the Duke Blue Devils found out on Wednesday night.
Smith was sensational in N.C. State's 84-60 win over 16th-ranked Duke, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds and three steals. Smith has been a microwave scoring guard who can get hot and take over a game single-handedly. The upset win got the attention of plenty of NBA scouts.
Bleacher Report NBA draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman praised Smith's performance. Wasserman applauded the shot-making ability of Terquavion, saying the talented guard is "fearless."
"Pro shot-maker with the fearlessness/confidence to really be dangerous throughout a game," Wasserman said.
Terquavion Smith lit up Duke for 24 points last night. Pro shot-maker with the fearlessness/confidence to really be dangerous throughout a game. Obviously leads to some low-% shots but NBA teams will know what they're getting. Instant-offense weapon. https://t.co/IxIsNAabEr
N.C. State sophomore Terquavion Smith puts on a show against Duke
N.C. State guard Terquavion Smith was a popular name in NBA draft circles after his freshman season. After a strong showing in the NBA draft combine, Smith announced he would return to scjpp; for his sophomore season.
It was a pleasant surprise for NBA scouts, as Smith was betting on himself to take another step forward in his development. While Smith hasn't been as effective as hoped, his game has taken notable strides during the 2022-23 season.
Smith is averaging 18.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game this season for the Wolfpack (12-4, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). He's also shooting 38.9%, including 34.4% from 3-point range. While his percentages aren't going to impress many, Terquavion's shot-making ability has been sensational.
The most welcoming development for Smith this season has been his playmaking ability. After averaging just 2.1 assists per game as a freshman, Smith has more than doubled his playmaking ability as a sophomore.
6’4” sophomore Terquavion Smith showed off his filthy shotmaking arsenal in a commanding 84-60 win over Duke last night. The supremely confident 19 y/o has proved to be among the Nation's most dynamic scorers while displaying clear improvements as a playmaker through 15 games. https://t.co/W5vvx2zmNP
The talent is undeniable when it comes to N.C. State guard Terquavion Smith. With conference play heating up around the NCAA, Smith will have the ability to showcase his ability against elite talent. That's just what he did on Wednesday night against the Duke Blue Devils (11-4, 2-3).
N.C. takes on Virginia Tech (11-4, 1-3) on Saturday before a big upcoming matchup against the 12th-ranked Miami Hurricanes (13-2, 4-1).