:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60159835/usa_today_10729979.0.jpg)
Former Texas Tech Red Raider Zach Smith has been picked up on a summer league contract by the Atlanta Hawks. This is not surprising to any Red Raider fan as the 6’8” forward has incredible athletic ability and can jump out of the building as you can see from his college basketball dunk contest highlights.
Is Superman real? Check out these highlights of Zach Smith (Texas Tech) from Thursday's College Slam Dunk Championships. @SuperDuperZach @TexasTechMBB @CoachBeardTTU @CollegeSLAM #ZachSmith #WreckEm #CollegeSlam #DunkinSlam pic.twitter.com/LL5PuOVm3N
— TBScouts (@TBScouts) March 31, 2018
Early in the season, Smith was looked at as a potential draft pick after originally declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft but backed out after deciding to come back for his senior year. He was injured for a large part of the year but showed flashes of what he could become in the NCAA Tournament, coming off the bench as a sixth man for the Red Raiders.
Hey, @Sportscenter!
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) December 14, 2017
It's your old pal, Zach Smith. He was wondering if you enjoy windmills on the #SCTop10? #WreckEm #4To1 pic.twitter.com/OQ2nHlbNO6
Smith definitely had a down year as he only averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 20 minutes of play per game. I believe the Hawks picked him up because of his athleticism and defensive ability. He is second all-time in Red Raider history in blocks and also has an NBA ready body. Smith will probably end up playing the power forward position in summer league as at 6’8”, he is a tad bit short and not bulky enough to play center. Look for him to block a ton of shots in the summer league and also look for him to earn his way into a two-way contract.