Two months ago, Angelo Smith knew nothing about Xavier. But the fact he verbally committed Tuesday to XU — a year early — came because he knew everything about Thad Matta.

        The 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward/center, a senior-to-be at Indianapolis Lawrence North, is Matta's first recruiting catch at XU. Matta and XU assistant John Groce, who also assisted Matta at Butler, have had a full-court press on Smith for a year.

        “They showed so much interest in me and made sure I knew I was No.1 on their list (at Butler),” Smith said. “When they went to Xavier (on May 3), I was hesitant, but as soon as they got settled in, they called to make sure I knew they still wanted me.”

        Any fears vanished when Smith made an unofficial visit to XU, meeting players and seeing Cintas Center.

        Smith averaged 11.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and two blocks for a 24-6 team that reached the Class 4A state semifinals. He chose XU over Butler and Indiana State.

        Lawrence North coach Jack Keefer said Smith's stock was rising this summer because he had strong showings on the Indiana junior all-state team and in the AAU state tournament, earning MVP honors at the latter. Michigan State and Purdue had begun recruiting Smith, Keefer said.

        “This summer, he has really come out,” Keefer said. “And he's not anywhere near the top of his game yet.”

        Smith's strength is rebounding. “That's my pride right there,” he said.

        He gets most of his scoring on rebounds and low-post plays, though Keefer envisions him developing an outside shot and playing either forward position.

        Smith was teammates last season with Chris Hill, an incoming freshman guard at Michigan State. He was a freshman when teammate John Stewart, a Kentucky signee, collapsed and died on the court during a 1999 state playoff game.

        XU will leave three scholarships unused this season because of the departures of Lloyd Price, Khalil Nixon and Brandon McIntosh.

        CHALMERS HEALING: Junior point guard Lionel Chalmers recently had a cast removed from his right (shooting) hand. He wore the cast for three weeks to protect a stretched ligament in his thumb.

        WEST TO CAMP: Junior center David West still plans to attend the training camp for the USA World Championship for Young Men team July 22-26 in Dallas. He is one of 16 finalists; cuts will be made there to the 12-man team. West has been resting a toe on which he had surgery in May.

XU, UC rank in early Top 25s for basketball
UK touted as Final Four team

Xavier Stories

Matta uses Butler ties to nab recruit

Pirates 3, Reds 2
Dayton sold out for Rijo's start tonight
Reyes will get head start in Louisville
Hyzdu returns 'home' in Pittsburgh uniform
Milford grad gets record bonus from Pirates
Ritchie bounces back from 0-8
Reds box, runs
St. X named national swim champion
Bonds Watch: 0 for 8 games
Thompson wins Women's Stroke Play
AAU team unbeaten in nationals
Met tennis schedule

• Return to Xavier front page...