Terquavion Smith returns ready to improve after NBA feedback
NC State men’s basketball received program-altering news this month when star freshman guard Terquavion Smith withdrew from the 2022 NBA draft. After receiving helpful feedback from professional scouts, Smith now returns to Raleigh with the opportunity to lead the new-look Wolfpack.
Smith excelled throughout the pre-draft process, backing up the talent he showed throughout an accolade-filled freshman season that included All-ACC honorable mention honors and a spot on the conference’s All-ACC Freshman team. Throughout the combine and team workouts, Smith said that he kept head coach Kevin Keatts in the loop up until the May 31 deadline when he officially took his name out of the draft.
The guard received two consistent pieces of feedback from NBA teams and scouts — he needed to get stronger and continue developing his skills as a lead guard. Smith said that the last time he checked he weighed 169 pounds. He said he hopes to get up to 175 or 180 by November.
Smith was one of the best players in the ACC last season, averaging 16.3 points per game. He noted that the critiques from the combine and workouts were easy to take since improving as a basketball player is always at the front of his mind.
“I like learning, so any time I can learn and work on my game, that’s the easiest thing,” Smith added.
Keatts declared that he needed Smith to become a leader this season, and the guard is ready to take on that responsibility.
“I feel like I can lead by example and lead, in general,” Smith said.
Smith added that his most significant takeaway from testing the draft waters was the opportunity to work with current and former NBA players who were able to give him advice on preparing for the next level. Ultimately, he chose to stay at school for another year — partly due to his love for the university and the family atmosphere that was created when he was a freshman.
“The school itself is just [an] all around great school,” he said.
Jarkel Joiner, a graduate transfer from Mississippi who averaged 13.2 points per game last season, will team up with Smith in the Wolfpack backcourt. Smith noted that he has already worked out with Joiner and is looking forward to the opportunity to take the court together.
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“That’s my guy,” Smith said. “I’m ready to play with him … He brings energy just like I bring energy.”
NIL has played a significant role in the decision for many college athletes to forgo professional opportunities in favor of another year of college. That was not the case for Smith, who said that he returned to spend another year with Keatts plus his teammates, and handle some unfinished business in the ACC.
“For me, it wasn’t about the money,” Smith stated. “I would hoop for free if I could. It’s just an accessory I feel like.”
After the Wolfpack finished last in the ACC in 2021, the NC State roster and staff have both retooled. Smith is focused on re-establishing the program’s success this season.
“That would mean everything to me,” Smith said. “To win games for the fans and the people that support NC State, that would mean a lot.”
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