During pre-draft media availability ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, NBA Call-Ups were able to speak with potential lottery pick Jalen Smith.
The topic centered around the improvements he has been able to make to his game in preparation for his looming NBA opportunity.
Q: You have seen an exponential growth in your 3-point shooting over the course of your college career. What have you been able to introduce into your game to bring your percentage up almost 10%? And how do you feel your 3-point shot will translate to the NBA?
Jalen Smith: “I think my shot is going to be very consistent a lot more. Obviously with this time, I have been able to get a lot more adjusted to the NBA 3–point line and get a lot more shots up.”
“I feel that with my work ethic and my late nights in the gym it is going to be very crucial for me being able to good shooter at the NBA level.”
Smith was able to improve upon his freshman year with a dominant season for the Maryland Terrapins. With his 3-point shooting improving dramatically, from 26.8% in the 2018-19 season, to 36.8% in 2019-20.
In his sophomore, and final season, with Maryland Smith posted averages of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, on 53.8% FG.
This has prompted the 20-year-old to push towards the NBA. Where he is expected to be selected in the mid-to-late teens of the 2020 NBA Draft.
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