Photo courtesy Quinnipiac Athletics
By Morey Hershgordon
During the last few months, the Quinnipiac men’s basketball team formally granted releases to sophomore’s Kasim Chandler and AJ Sumbry, two impact players most assumed would have significant roles next year. One of those spots is now filled.
According to Alex Kline of TheRecruitScoop, Donovan Smith, a 6-foot-9, 230 pound forward has committed to the Bobcats. Smith comes to Quinnipiac by way of Triton College, a two-year community college located about 15 miles northwest of Chicago. Smith was also considering Eastern Kentucky and Eastern Illinois.
Smith’s commitment is much needed for Tom Moore and Co. His team loses reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Ousmane Drame and Justin Harris to graduation, as well as Sumbry to transfer. The only back-to-the-basket big it had left on its roster was freshman Chaise Daniels.
A few days ago, Smith spoke to Q30 Sports men’s basketball beat reporter Dylan Fearon.
“I’m going to play a big role,” he said. “I know I have big shoes to fill but I have big shoes of my own. I’ll be ready to play. Always.”
Smith averaged 12.4 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game, and 3.6 blocks per game while helping lead Triton College to a 29-4 record this past season. The 29 wins were the most its program has seen since the 2010-2011 season.
When asked to describe his game, Smith said, “Offensively, [it’s] my versatility and I can shoot the ball from the perimeter. On defense, my shot blocking ability. I have great timing.”
The Chicago Ridge, IL native is one of five new faces on the Bobcats roster. Highly touted brothers Andrew and Aaron Robinson as well as Abdulai Bundu are three incoming freshmen. Giovanni McLean, a Westchester Community College transfer who was sidelined this past year due to eligibility issues, is also expected to play.
Although Smith has only been committed to Quinnipiac for a little over one week, he has already been in contact with his future teammates.
“I talked to Ayron (Hutton), Gio (McLean) and Chaise (Daniels),” Smith said. “They [all] tell me the same thing. We are going to get in the gym and be family. I’m very excited.”
Quinnipiac finished its 2014-2015 season with a 15-15 overall record and a 9-11 conference mark.
