Kentwood High School center Josh Smith, widely regarded as the top-ranked center in the freshman class of 2010, has committed to play his college ball at UCLA, instead of the University of Washington.
In the end, the chance of winning a national championship and the tradition helped make up my mind, Smith said. Well have a young team (in 2010) but were going to be good.
The 6-foot-10, 270-pound center was a first-team All-State selection after averaging 26.7 points per game last season for Kentwood (19-7), which tied for a league title with Federal Way.
It was really hard telling Washington, Smith said. Ninety-nine percent of the people, the kids and teachers at school, wanted me to stay home. I understand their feelings.
Smith will sign his national letter of intent later in the week.