Smith speaks
November 5, 2013 - Yesterday's media day in advance of this week's game with Oregon in South Korea proved a treasure trove for attendees, as players and head coach John Thompson III commented on a variety of subjects. One student-athlete's participation couldn't be missed - 6'10", 300 pound plus transfer junior center Josh Smith.
Having recently been approved for competition by the NCAA, a decision that shocked many in its allowing Smith, who arrived at G'Town from UCLA in time for the second semester last year a full two years of eligibility, Josh was pretty much focus number one by interviewers.
Advertisement
He didn't disappoint, again showing an articulate, thoughtful public speaking manner. (See Wiser Smith is mulling options for a past example). Monday's conversation with Smith included:
Preparation for Oregon - "They're fast, they're athletic, and from the years I played against them...they like to get up and down. That was a point of emphasis when I was at UCLA".
His Georgetown Offense acclimation - "When I first got here, I was really confused to be honest..."
The eligibility wait - "I was trying to be optimistic...my big focus was not missing any conference games".
Choosing Georgetown for transfer - "A lot had to do with Coach Thompson...being recruited by them in high school and not really giving them a fair chance...(mom) she really liked it...".
Otto Porter's success - "It excites us all...coming out of high school not a lot of heard about him...we all just want to be successful like him".
Interaction with center alums - "I've been able to talk to Roy (Hibbert) a few times...Obviously Coach O, Othella Harrington...I've met Dikembe (Mutombo)...Patrick (Ewing)...It's a pretty elite class".
Discussing point guard Markel Starks - "When you think of Markel you think of the smile, the big teeth, animated...he's the captain, he's my roommate, he's a good friend".
For more from Smith on these and other topics, see our Premium Court message board, where you can hear the mammoth center in his own words!