CBB to NBA Player Comparisons: Russ Smith

There are a couple pro players who remind me of Russ Smith, including Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings.  However, the comparison that I think is most accurate is Nuggets guard Nate Robinson. Both Smith and Robinson are very small, at 6'0'' and 5'9'' respectively, but make up for it with their incredible acceleration, quickness, and jumping ability.  Also, they have a unique talent in creating shots for themselves (and knocking these shots down) as well as making creative plays around rim amongst players that often have a full foot on them.  Additionally, despite their poor size, Smith and Robinson both manage to chip in on the boards, and they are also fairly good passers and dribblers at the point guard position.  Perhaps what is most similar between these two players is their knack for converting in clutch situations and their undeniable swagger.  People will say that because of his short frame, Russ Smith does not have a whole lot of potential as a NBA player, but players of this mold have actually been fairly successful in the NBA, with the pinnacle of short-player success in the NBA having been reached by Allen Iverson in the early 2000's.  It will certainly enthuse Russ Smith that scouts have recently been pointing out this interesting similarity that Smith shares with Iverson, but I'm going to stick with the Nate Robinson comparison until I see a little bit more.

Game Recap: (7) Cincinnati vs. (11) Louisville

Cincinnati managed to contain Louisville's Russ Smith for 39 minutes and 58 seconds, but all Smith needed was those two remaining seconds to put his stamp on this game.  I suggested before the game that the Smith vs. Kilpatrick matchup was one to keep an eye on, and Kilpatrick held up his end of the bargain, finishing the game with 28 points and 6 rebounds.  Meanwhile, Smith struggled for the most part, shooting 3 for 10 on the game for just 10 points, but the only contribution from Russ that people will remember was his beautiful jumper to give Louisville the lead with just two seconds left.  In all honesty, the game probably came down to supporting casts around these two superstars.  While Louisville's big man Montrez Harrell put up 21 points and 10 rebounds to support Russ Smith, Cincinnati lacked any sort of support around Kilpatrick, with the next highest scorer after him only recording eight points.  This is a tough loss for Cincinnati, as they fought back so valiantly after being down fairly big late in the second half, but Louisville probably deserved the win.

RUSS SMITH IS CLUTCH! No. 11 Louisville beats No. 7 Cincinnati, 58-57. Cardinals' 1st win vs. ranked team this season.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 22, 2014

RUSSDICULOUS! Russ Smith delivers a game-winner with 2.2 seconds left to give Louisville a 58-57 win! http://t.co/FvDVAsFRaZ
— CBSSports.com (@CBSSports) February 22, 2014