4-star SG Jordan Smith updates recruitment; discusses Maryland, Georgetown, Villanova, and Syracuse
Jordan Smith is the No. 6 overall player currently in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. The 6-foot-3 guard is a rising junior at Fairfax (VA) Paul VI and currently playing up on the 17U level for Team Takeover on Nike’s EYBL Circuit.
“I love defense, so I try to play the best defense I can each time I step on the floor,” Smith told On3. “You know defense wins championships.”
Smith is currently in Turkey with the U17 USA Basketball team competing in the FIBA U17 World Cup. The guard is playing 15.2 minutes per game and averaging 6.0 points and 2.2 steals leading into Sunday’s championship game.
“My first goal here was to make the team,” Smith said “But the biggest goal for me in this experience to learn and take from it. Being out here, competing with some really good players, I feel like I’ve proven myself around the best. I wanted to get better on and off the court.”
On3 was able to catch up with four-star Jordan Smith after a recent live viewing to discuss his recruitment.
“Of the schools who have offered me, I’ve been to Georgetown, Villanova, and Maryland so far,” Smith said.
Smith talks schools
MARYLAND: “It’s home for me, it’s not that far from me and my family. I had a good relationship with Coach (Mike) Jones before he left. Coach (David) Cox is a good coach, I think I’m going to take another visit up there soon. They play fast, they play hard, and they play defense, so that fits right in with what I do.”
GEORGETOWN: “Ed Cooley is my guy. I visited there and he broke down everything, what he is planning to do with me and my future, so I really appreciated that. We have a good relationship.”
VILLANOVA: “I went over there for their Midnight Madness last season. It was a great atmosphere. For as little of a gym as they have, there were a lot of people in there. It was hot and the concert they had was good too. We’re still growing our relationship, but things are good.”
Jordan Smith talks Syracuse
“I know that I will probably take an official visit to Syracuse,” Smith said. “I don’t have anything planned yet, but Syracuse is probably for sure.
“They’re like a Takeover program. Coach Brendan (Straughn) coached with Takeover and the head coach (Adrian Autrey) coached at Fairfax (VA) Paul VI. There is a great relationship with the coaching staff and Team Takeover.
“I watched them last year when they came down to play Georgetown. They played pretty fast, and I appreciate that. They’re gritty too.”
In his words
“The culture of the school will be big for me,” Smith said. “I’ll look at how the coaches treat their players on and off the court. And I’ll look closely at the player development.
“Play-style too will be big for me. I’m comfortable playing in a fast up-and-down system that stays active.”