August 12, 2009
Smith coming on up north
The Chico Blazin’ Heat basketball club is truthfully named for the summer atmospheric conditions in that area. Chico High’s Sterling Smith plays for that squad and his first name is also indicative of the quality of his play. There’s truth in advertising being offered up north as recruiting interest in Smith is now heating up.
Smith will have a breakout junior year
A 6-foot-3 backcourter soon to be entering his junior year, Smith plays as a combo guard. Based on his summer 2009 showings, representatives of Cal, San Francisco and San Diego have been in recent contact even though any letter-of-intent signing is more than a year down the line.
What is creating the attraction?
A commitment to improvement, combined with excellent athletic abilities and already impressive basketball skills.
It was about a year ago that Smith had his basketball epiphany. "The switch turned on and I started to get serious [about getting better]," Smith said.
He lists Tracy McGrady but now especially Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett as those influencing him. But it’s not point production or a long line of stats that he finds impressive.
"I admire Kobe because of how hard he works and prepares. I feel like I have the same passion and work ethic Kevin demonstrates," Smith said.
What also connects directly to this is Smith’s favorite book being one on Michael Jordan. Again, it’s not because of the well-earned effusive praise heaped on Jordan but rather the parts in which the how and what Jordan did to elevate his game are detailed.
Another element that showcases Smith’s mindset is the specific skill he offered when asked about his top talents. "It’s my medium range jumper" -- a skill seemingly lost on the majority of younger players and one that rarely receives any mention -- "as last year, I really worked on my jumper and specifically from mid range. This year I am fine tuning my ball handling and extending my range beyond the arc."
So what is it like being a northern California player situated outside -- three hours away by car -- of the traditional hoops mecca of the Bay Area? A look into his pre-game thoughts provides at least a partial answer. "I don’t ever feel intimidated and I always feel I’m one of the better players."
Smith already has a notion regarding his college major. "Broadcasting, because I like to talk in front of people." It’s obviously very early but Smith wants to align himself with a college basketball program that uses an uptempo style offensively and also accentuates defensive effort. "I love playing defense," Smith said. He has no concern about location: "I really like a lot of the east coast programs."
Asked what his friends and teammates would say about him, Smith responded with, "That I’m really determined and driven in all the things I do."
His father Tony coaches the Blazin’ Heat, an organization he started six years ago. "It’s my way of giving back to the community," said the elder Smith, whose pupils currently total 123.
But it’s not just basketball that Smith emphasizes. "Academics are a must for us and we pay close attention to that aspect." The younger Smith concurred. "I take academics very seriously. I can’t get a ‘C’ in any class if I want to play basketball."
Chico High went 20-7 last season, winning two playoff games before losing to Fairfield by three points. An ever-improving Smith could help carry the team even further in the upcoming go-around.