No. 1-ranked 2027 recruit Kaleena Smith uses size as motivation

Kaleena Smith is the No.1-ranked recruit in the Class of 2027. The 5-foot-5 point guard is undersized, but she uses that as an advantage and a motivating factor every day. 

“Everybody doubts me or looks over me,” Smith told On3. “So I really have to prove myself and prove that I can play. Size doesn’t matter in this game.” 

She makes up for her length with her high basketball IQ, work ethic on the court and versatile skill set. 

“I’m just really grinding,” Smith said. “I’m staying in the gym, staying humble and using my gift from God.” 

Smith, who attends Ontario Christian High School in California, already holds offers from plenty of the top programs nationally including South Carolina, UConn, LSU and USC. She told On3 that she’s taken unofficial visits to UCLA, USC and Louisville so far. 

“The area, the coaching staff and a family-oriented program,” Smith said of what she looks for in a school. “Just how the players connect with the coaches and the coaches connect with players.”

Kaleena Smith focused on improving overall

With plenty of time left in her high school career, Kaleena Smith Smith is focusing on improving a few elements of her game. She wants to get stronger and quicker and work on her mid-range pull-up. 

Smith was selected to play for the USA Basketball U17 National Team this summer, but it was recently announced in a release that she “is no longer available to compete.” 

She’ll still have plenty of opportunities to improve her game this summer, as she will take part in Overtime Select, a new women’s basketball league for top recruits, this August. Additionally, Smith plays for the Cal Storm on the Nike EYBL circuit and has averaged 18.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, a league-high 7.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game this spring through 10 games.