At the time of his selection, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior guard had led the Panthers to a 33-2 record, the No. 1 national ranking by MaxPreps and a berth in the Chipotle National Championships. Smith averaged 25.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.0 steals through 35 games, leading Paul VI to both the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division I tournament championships. Also a 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game selection, Smith won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup. He’s ranked as the nation’s No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2026 by ESPN and 247Sports.com.
Smith has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play basketball at the University of Arkansas this fall.
Smith has donated his time as a peer mentor for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and intends to pursue a degree in special education. As a student in his school’s advanced peer mentor course this year, he completed a college-level class in Foundations of Education. Smith has also given his time and attention to the school’s Options basketball team, which competes in the Special Olympics. A Black & Gold Ambassador for St. Paul VI, he engages with prospective students and their families about his experience at the school.
