In a stunning turn of events, four-star combo guard LJ Smith has decommitted from his original pledge to the University of Alabama and has flipped his commitment to the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program.
Smith, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard from Orlando, Florida, is widely regarded as one of the top combo guards in the class of 2024. He originally committed to Alabama in August, but after a series of visits to Bloomington, Indiana, Smith has decided to join the Hoosiers.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committing to the Indiana Hoosiers,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m excited to be a part of a program with such a rich tradition of excellence. Coach Woodson and the entire coaching staff have made me feel like I’m part of the family, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success.”
Smith’s commitment is a major coup for Indiana head coach Mike Woodson, who has been working tirelessly to rebuild the Hoosiers’ program. Woodson and his staff have been aggressive in their pursuit of top talent, and Smith’s commitment is a testament to their efforts.
“We’re thrilled to welcome LJ to the Hoosier family,” Woodson said. “He’s an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic. We believe he has the potential to be a game-changer for our program, and we’re excited to see him in cream and crimson.”
Smith’s decision to flip his commitment to Indiana was likely influenced by the Hoosiers’ strong recruiting pitch, which emphasized the program’s rich tradition of excellence, its commitment to player development, and its desire to compete for championships.
“I was impressed by the coaching staff’s vision for the program and their commitment to helping me develop as a player,” Smith said. “I also loved the campus and the atmosphere in Bloomington. I feel like I’m going to be part of something special.”
Smith’s commitment is also a significant boost to Indiana’s recruiting class, which is already ranked among the top 20 in the country. The Hoosiers have been targeting several other top prospects, and Smith’s commitment could help to sway some of those players to join him in Bloomington.
As for Smith, he’s eager to get started on his college career. He’s expected to enroll at Indiana in the summer and participate in the team’s offseason workouts.
“I’m ready to get to work and help the Hoosiers win some games,” Smith said. “I’m excited to be part of this program and contribute to its success.”
In conclusion, four-star combo guard LJ Smith has decommitted from his original pledge to the University of Alabama and has flipped his commitment to the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program. Smith’s commitment is a major coup for Indiana head coach Mike Woodson, who has been working tirelessly to rebuild the Hoosiers’ program. With Smith on board, Indiana is poised to take a significant step forward in the coming years.