Several weeks back, the Iowa Hawkeyes extended an offer to 2025 forward Tayeshaun Smith out of 1 of 1 Elite Prep Academy in Raleigh, N.C.
A 6-foot-7 forward, Smith is starting to pick up steam on the recruiting trail. In addition to the offer from Iowa on July 16, Smith also picked up offers from Nebraska on April 25, High Point on April 29 and Illinois State on July 28.
Per Rivals, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Hampton, Old Dominion, VCU and Yale are also showing Smith interest.
After tracking down the Hawkeye offer, Smith caught up with Hawkeye Report‘s Tom Kakert to discuss his offer from Iowa. The fast-rising prospect also shared a breakdown of his game.
“I feel like I’m a type of player who can do everything that can help my team win ball games. I’m a shot blocker who can shoot off the dribble, get to my spots and score when needed,” Smith told Kakert.
As his game continues to develop, more and more evaluators and coaching staffs are taking notice. Prep Hoops’ Jay Anderson recently bumped Smith up from No. 18 to the No. 10 prospect in North Carolina.
Anderson wrote the following in his June 21 breakdown (subscription required):
He’s a prospect that’s shown he can operate well at the stretch-forward spot, knocking down shots on the perimeter and in the high post. He’s also shown he can make plays out of the post with his length and passing ability. – Anderson, Prep Hoops.
Phenom Hoop Report’s Patrick O’Brien also shared thoughts on Smith’s game and development just several weeks ago.
Smith is another big forward with a tremendous college frame and a developing game that continues to improve each time we see him. With his physicality and strength, he is easily able to operate around the post and finish strong at the rim as well as defend strongly on the other end. But he continues to add more to his game, expanding his game and range, and showing that he can be much more. This is why schools are really taking notice already. – O’Brien, Phenom Hoop Report.
The North Carolina product joins Braylon Mullins and Kelvin Odih as recent 2025 offers. A look at Smith’s full recruiting profile and some of his tape is attached below.
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- Currently an unranked prospect in the 2025 class
| Hometown | Raleigh, N.C. |
| Projected Position | F |
| Height | 6-7 |
| Weight | N/A |
| Class | 2025 |
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Illinois State
- High Point
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