Bruce Pearl reveals why Jabari Smith will avoid distractions

Former Auburn forward Jabari Smith is now a member of the Orlando Magic. After being selected third overall, the 19-year-old’s life has changed in an instant both financially and professionally. As NBA fans have seen before, such and immediate influx of money and acclaim can lead some players down the wrong paths.

Smith’s college coach, Bruce Pearl, believes Jabari has a head on his shoulders and a family in his corner that will prevent him from making those type of mistakes early in his career.

Here’s what Pearl had to say on The Herd with Colin Cowherd regarding Smith’s entrance into the league. He believes that it all starts with family.

“First of all, look at his pedigree. His dad was a bad man. His dad was a big, tough, physical, dirty, offensively gifted dude. Gentle giant but a tough guy. Mom: beautiful, christian, academic woman that raised her son to be a gentleman. So he’s got the combination of the toughness and the sweetness that you’d want in every son.”

Because of the strong parental guidance, Pearl thinks Smith won’t be seduced by certain celebrity lifestyles.

“He’s not gonna be affected like everybody by the lounge lizards. He just isn’t. He’s trying to be a pro. He’s trying to be an NBA All-Star. He’ll look at that distraction and says that’s not going to help me win championships. You know, that may be a pretty special 20 minutes, but it’s not gonna win a championship. And that’s what this kid’s all about. That’s his DNA. That’s nothing that coach Pearl taught him or said to him.”

Pearl then continued, noting that Smith, even at just 19, is a role model for younger fans.

“He also recognizes that he’s got to be a role model. Like if you’re the No. 1 pick — even though you’re young, they’re gonna follow you — and they know what you’re making. So I think he’ll accept that responsibility. He’s got a tight camp around him, it’s all family. I don’t think success will change him.”

Pearl is bullish on Jabari Smith the kid. The Auburn coach believes his former player has titanium skin when it comes to not letting distractions get to him.