Supinie: Time for Mark Smith to be 'that guy'

CHAMPAIGN – Great things were expected from Mark Smith, the first Mr. Basketball to sign with the Illini since Jereme Richmond in 2010. When the Edwardsville High School star turned down the game’s heavyweights such as Duke, Michigan State and Kentucky to stay at home and play at Illinois, it signaled a new beginning for Illini basketball under first-year coach Brad Underwood.

In his first few weeks on the job, Underwood already scored a big victory.

“That’s a young man who’s going to do well,’’ Underwood said at the time. “We want to build our program around young men who win on the court as much as they do off the court.’’

Heralded as a key part of the back-court of the future, Smith arrived on campus with plenty of weight on his shoulders. He was Exhibit A on how Underwood planned to overhaul a program that fell off the face of the Earth under former coach John Groce. Smith was the combo guard who figured to have the ball in his hands, running the show with other point guards and generally playing his way into the hearts of the orange-and-blue crowd.

His commitment provided a fan base with some hope, because it would have been easy to shun the Illini for programs already found in the top 25 and, most likely, the NCAA tournament bracket on Selection Sunday. But it hasn’t gone as planned for Smith, Underwood or the Illini. While a freshman point guard has put up big numbers for the Illini, it was Trent Frazier from south Florida, not the kid from southern Illinois.

So, after his eight-point game and other key contributions in a victory over Nebraska Sunday at State Farm Center, the focus fell back onto Smith, the quiet kid who found himself as a rising star a year ago before finding the game much more difficult in college.

It’s nothing new for freshmen. This is a big jump, but perhaps everyone underestimated the jump for a kid whose game is built more on strength than speed.

With three games remaining in the regular season, plus the appearance in the Big Ten tournament in Madison Square Garden, Smith still has time to finish the season with some momentum, even if that might not quiet any of that talk back in his hometown about Smith’s future here. With no realistic postseason hopes, it’s about setting the table for next season.

“It’s time to be that guy,’’ Underwood said. “I expect Mark to have a terrific end to the season.’’

In college, that guy does more than just take shots. In his first interview in months, Smith acknowledged the need to improve defensively and do more than score the basketball, and Smith wants to end the season with a big finish.

“That would be great, to see the hard work paying off,’’ he said Monday. “I just keep working and trusting the process. I know it will help me later. I’m getting better. I feel every time I go out there, I’m getting better. I definitely feel like I’m working to grow each and every day.’’

The output against the Cornhuskers was the big scoring day for Smith in the past 11 games. He hit a key 3-pointer, but the biggest contribution might have been on a key offensive rebound late in the game. Underwood isn’t afraid to get in Smith’s face, but he’s also talking him up.

“My confidence in Mark has always been higher than maybe he’s had in himself,’’ Underwood said. “I challenge guys. I challenged Mark every day. He’s a guy who has tremendous amount of offensive talent. He’s a guy we all know has struggled at times defensively, but he’s getting better. Look at Mark’s stat sheets. It’s points and nothing else. That’s what we challenged him to do. It’s the other things, the little things that impact winning.’’

Assuredly, there are things Smith could do, but there’s probably also some propping up needed between the ears after a trying season. Smith probably expected the year Frazier is having, scoring bushels of points and likely earning him freshman honors at the end of the season. Nonetheless, Underwood said less than a week ago Smith wasn’t unhappy but rather frustrated. The transition from prep superstar to college freshman wasn’t as smooth, yet the kid works hard in practice, the coach said.

He might be a little gun shy, another reason why Underwood pushed him Sunday. After struggling on a defensive assignment that led to Leron Black’s second foul, the Illini called a play setting up Smith to drive to the basket for a layup or a dish to an open teammate. Smith passed on the chance.

“He played passively,’’ Underwood said. “I don’t know if afraid is the right word. I got on him in the timeout. I believe in him. “When you play with fear, I can’t play you.’’

When the season ends, it’s also time to watch Smith. There have been rumblings out of Edwardsville. Assuredly, it’s also hard on family and friends back home to watch Smith struggle in his rookie season. Maybe those folks are more unhappy than Smith, who has impressed the Illini coaching staff with his attitude and work ethic. But it's important to remember, it’s Smith, not Frazier, who was expected to have the biggest impact from this freshman class.

But that’s a little down the road. At this point, Underwood wants to see Smith finish strong.

“We always look for more from Mark,’’ Underwood said. “It’s not just about making baskets. The game is a little more than points. I think he will have a great end to the season because he practices so well. He has some hutzpah. I’m pleased with him. It’s time to be that guy.’’

John Supinie is a columnist for Orangeandbluenews.com. During the day, he’s an Audi Brand Specialist at Green Audi in Springfield. Call or text him at 217-377-1977 if you’re looking for an Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota or preowned car. Ask for the Illini deal.