J.R. Smith transfers to prep school, eyes UNC

Rising junior Tar Heel WF target J.R. Smith is transferring to Newark (N.J.) St. Benedict's in order to give him two years to prepare academically for a college such as, say, North Carolina.

Smith -- one of the top high school basketball and football players in New Jersey -- is giving up his senior year at Lakewood to enroll at St. Benedict's prep school in Newark. Smith and his father, Earl, say the prep school will give him a better chance to be eligible to play college basketball at a prestigious school such as North Carolina, one of the marquee programs pursuing the 6-foot-6 swingman. ...

"It's tough to leave my teammates (at Lakewood), but it's all part of following the plan," J.R. Smith said. "Ever since I've been little, I've imagined myself putting on a Carolina jersey. This puts me closer to there or some other great school."

LINK: Carolina on his mind

Related Links:
IC's 2004 Target Profiles section