Mark Smith appears to be ready to make a college decision.
Fresh off an official visit to Ohio State over the weekend, it was reported Monday afternoon the four-star guard from Edwardsville, Illinois will make an announcement Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
Mr. Basketball winner Mark Smith will announce his college decision at 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday. #Illini https://t.co/6XxsnapvhS
— Derek Piper (@DPiperScout) April 24, 2017
The drama will come to an end at 6 p.m. Wednesday when @ehstigershoops star @Mark_Smith_13 announces his college choice. #618hoops
— David Wilhelm (@DavidMWilhelm) April 24, 2017
Smith is a 6-foot-5 guard and the nation's No. 74-ranked player, according to 247Sports composite ratings.
Personally, I thought Michigan State led for Smith for the last couple of weeks with the home school Illinois in a close second and Ohio State in third. It was important the Buckeyes finally got Smith on campus for a visit and by all accounts, it went well, but it just feels like there was a little too much ground to make up even though Thad Matta and Co. got in on this recruitment before most did.
Smith's recruitment blew up over the last month as schools looked to fill late holes on their rosters and that worked against Ohio State.
So while I thought it wast trending MSU last week it feels like Illinois has the momentum here. I'm leaning Illini right now with the Spartans second and Buckeyes third, but after I speak to some people I'll have a clearer picture.