Four-Star Guard Has Maryland in Top Group

On the same day that four-star Jamie Kaiser released his final three and a looming commitment date, Maryland’s other top backcourt target announced his top group of schools.

Paul VI (VA) four-star guard Deshawn Harris-Smith revealed a top five of Indiana, Maryland, Penn State, Villanova and Xavier.

The 6-foot-4 guard took official visits to each school, starting with Villanova back on May 3 then Xavier on May 31. Penn State was a school in long-time pursuit as they had him on campus back on June 27 before he wrapped up his fourth and fifth trips last week, starting with Maryland on July 25 then Indiana on July 28.

Led by assistant Tony Skinn, Maryland extended an offer to the Team Takeover product back on June 9 and was able to get him on campus for an unofficial during the last week of June as the staff pitches the ability to run the point. “I just like to have an opportunity to stay home and play in front of my friends and family,” Harris-Smith said after revealing his top schools. “They want me to come in and play mostly point guard which I think is my best chance of making it to the next level. Maryland is recruiting all my DMV guys so I would know my freshman class really well and will have good chemistry from the beginning.”

Harris-Smith was expected to make his decision in late August or early September and while he does not have a set date, the four-star told On3 he will look to make a decision by late August.

Harris-Smith is rated a four-star prospect and a 95 overall by On3, sitting as the top prospect in Virginia and the 45th-best nationally. Maryland currently has one commitment in the 2023 class in St. Frances guard Jahnathan Lamothe.