A&T Attracts Smith

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 23, 2008 – “I’d say people think he’s a sleeper” said Bishop McNamara (MD) head coach Marty Keithline of a student athlete he coaches, one of a trio that has just committed to play Division I basketball in 2009. “But I don’t think he is”.

The player, 6’3”, 200 pound Lawrence Smith will not be slept on for long.

“Last year he played four (power forward) a lot for us” due to roster necessity and personal skill set, noted Keithline of Smith. “This year he’ll be a three (small forward)”.
Facilitating the move the move has been Lawrence’s skill development, including work on his jumper and handle.

Lawrence Smith feels the MEAC is underrated because of its HBCU makeup, but by making "the most of my time at A&T I could play at the next level (somewhere professionally)".

Increased confidence is also being illustrated by Smith, having been developed recently. “Last summer, he made the July 5th through 8th group of top seniors” at the Hoop Group Eastern Invitational said recalled Keithline. “After that, he knew he fit in”.

That certainty of belonging has also been impacted favorably by playing with the DC Assault travel, a fact both Smith and Keithline have noted. Those who witnessed Lawrence in the Maryland Invitational will attest to his development.

All of this has resulted in a scholarship to North Carolina A&T University.

“I feel like A&T is the perfect situation for me. I get to play at a competitive level while getting that HBCU (Historically Black College and University) experience. Also the school’s academics are great” shared Smith of his motivation of choosing the institution based in Greensboro, NC.

His feelings were cemented during an October 11th official visit to the institution. Of the experience, Lawrence remarked “Homecoming was fun although NC A&T lost (by one point to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Morgan State)…It was probably the most live homecoming I had ever been to”.

Adding to the school’s attraction for Smith is its reputation as a great trainer of teachers – Smith’s possibly future vocation – and the presence of Marc Hill, a former McNamara standout, on the Aggie’s hoop team.

A&T bested New Hampshire and UMBC – both of which were highly interested – along with Shepherd University and other Division II schools.

An athletic, tough player who can bang inside but will play swingman in college, Smith is primed for a big upcoming season at McNamara. Just ask his coach.

“He’s going to get heavy minutes and hopefully he’ll be a double-double man” opined Keithline of Lawrence’s upcoming role and expectations.

The North Carolina A&T faithful can eventually expect the same; Lawrence Smith is the type of player to make it happen.