Smits Commits to Valpo!

[valpotx]

Dan Dakich seemed to indicate that 7'0" or 7'1" was a large stretch for Smits.  He indicated that he was closer to 6'10".  Do we have any confirmation that he is a true 7-footer?

[HC]

He looks to easily be 3-4 inches taller then Vashil and Alec...but I'm usually sitting pretty high up.

[frontrowfan]

Dan Dakich seemed to indicate that 7'0" or 7'1" was a large stretch for Smits.  He indicated that he was closer to 6'10".  Do we have any confirmation that he is a true 7-footer?

Derek tweeted a response to Dan Dakich's comment on his height.  I'd have to say from seeing him many time up close that he a legitimate 7fter

[wh]

If he's 6-10, Vashil is 6-7. Ignorant comment with no constructive purpose. A picture's worth a thousand words: 

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/roster/#5.VvXsCSm9Kc0

[historyman]

If he's 6-10, Vashil is 6-7. Ignorant comment with no constructive purpose. A picture's worth a thousand words: 

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/roster/#5.VvXsCSm9Kc0

Dakich probably hasn't seen Derrik since he left ZCHS , the same HS that Dakich's son attended.

[Kyle321n]

Did anyone watch him play on the Canadian tour? 

Yes, he's pretty good defensively, but was constantly going against much smaller players. He's outstanding on the offensive side of the ball and has a great midrange jumper. If they play him tight on the elbow he has the ability to drive past his man.

If he's 6-10, Vashil is 6-7. Ignorant comment with no constructive purpose. A picture's worth a thousand words: 

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/roster/#5.VvXsCSm9Kc0

Dakich probably hasn't seen Derrik since he left ZCHS , the same HS that Dakich's son attended.

They way he broadcasts games, you would think that, but he was at the game last Thursday.

[ValpoDad89]

I can say this, when you have to against your dad who is 7'4" or so and had a great NBA career in your driveway, plus you get his insight to hoops, you'll be ready day 1. Plus he won't be coming to us a "true" freshmen either. I like the potential upside he brings. Adds a new dimension to the offense and while no Vashil defensively, will make opponents BIGS earn it and tire them out when we have the ball.

[VULB#62]

I can say this, when you have to against your dad who is 7'4" or so and had a great NBA career in your driveway, plus you get his insight to hoops, you'll be ready day 1. Plus he won't be coming to us a "true" freshmen either. I like the potential upside he brings. Adds a new dimension to the offense and while no Vashil defensively, will make opponents BIGS earn it and tire them out when we have the ball.

In the past we commented on how his injury reduced the amount of competition time against 6' 10" Vashil in practice might be a factor in his development, but you are right, Dad, to remind us that he has to work even harder against his 7' 4" father.

[valpo64]

I just hope his foot injuries are not a chronic thing. 

[FWalum]

I just hope his foot injuries are not a chronic thing. 

Probably one of the main reasons his father retired.

[ValpoDad89]

But he "retired" after 14 seasons in the NBA and 14 damn good ones I may add. When you're that tall, back and feet problems will befall you. It's the nature of being that big. Rik's back looks good and feet, well I can say this, he went to one of the most prominent Indy foot Specialists during Thanksgiving break and had surgery right after Winter break. That will definitely buy him 3-4 years of college of not more. Plus he's so young and the youth heals faster at a better rate than us old timers
!!!!

[VULB#62]

[tweet]716845247813259264[/tweet]

[tweet]716834474143522817[/tweet]

[VU2014]

Should be a great learning experience playing in international competition. Only could make him better.

[VULB#62]

Hope his repaired foot stands up to the summer grind 

[a3uge]

Was he not born in the US?

[oklahomamick]

He probably has duel citizenship

[VULB#62]

Or maybe not, but he is the son of a Dutch citizen who has duel citizenship, and European federations do not look at citizenship the way the US does.

[agibson]

Or maybe not, but he is the son of a Dutch citizen who has duel citizenship, and European federations do not look at citizenship the way the US does.

A passport from the appropriate country might be required, but his dad's almost certainly good enough. A grandparent often suffices.

Anyone know what games these are? U23 or something? Not sure what European national teams might be up to this summer, apart from the Olympics.

[wh]

A Paul Oren tweet says that Derrik has grown another inch and is now 7-2.

4 years ahead with a 7-2 center. A 3-star HS player with likely 4-star ability now. Wow!

[VU2014]

Not sure growing another inch gives him 4-star recruit ability. But either way I'm very optimistic about Smits future. 7-2 is some major size. Still has 2 inches to catch his dad haha. (side note: just watch some old highlights of Smits dad. Wow. I forgot how good of a player he was. If his dad was in the NBA now days, he'd probably be arguably Top 5-7 big man in the league at the center position these days. Small mans league).

Another side note: Apparently Derrick has been taking max credits in each semester and including summers and his degree is a 3-year sports management degree I believe and he sat out last year so red-shirted so he probably will be able to graduate very very early and have a few years of eligibility to boot if he wanted to transfer early. Makes me a little nervous. Hopefully he loves Valpo and plays a big role the next few years so he'll want to stick around.

[historyman]

Another side note: Apparently Derrick has been taking max credits in each semester and including summers and his degree is a 3-year sports management degree

No "C" in Derrik's name.

[wh]

Not sure growing another inch gives him 4-star recruit ability.

Not thinking as much about an extra inch as an extra year. Guys that big often take longer to "grow" into their own bodies.  Knowing that, I was just speculating that he's probably better prepared physically and mentally to make a bigger splash this year than last. Then - add to that the fact that he has grown 3" since the start of his senior season and is 1 of the tallest players in college basketball (probably top 5). For what it's worth thats the collective rationale behind my 4-star vs. 3 quip. 

[valpotx]

I second the hope that he doesn't leave after his second year of basketball, due to the accelerated class load.  Hopefully Peters gets drafted, to show Smits that if he dominates, he can get drafted at Valpo too.

[ValpoDad89]

ValpoTx, great point. Here is the thing about Derrik and Rik for that matter, they love Valpo. To what extent and the extent they want to stay beyond his draft  prognostications is up to them to decide but he could've played last year if the staff wanted. He worked his ass off and his dad was an integral part of that. They utilized the auxiliary gym in the ARC and they played against while the dance team practiced. My daughter shared with me, and she sucks as an evaluator of talent but said he made Rik pissed off at times that he was able to beat him to the rim and spun around him in the post. Now Rik is in his 40's and Derrik much younger but again, RIk was an NBA great with some serious size and knows how to position himself well.

[oklahomamick]

ValpoTx, great point. Here is the thing about Derrik and Rik for that matter, they love Valpo. To what extent and the extent they want to stay beyond his draft  prognostications is up to them to decide but he could've played last year if the staff wanted. He worked his ass off and his dad was an integral part of that. They utilized the auxiliary gym in the ARC and they played against while the dance team practiced. My daughter shared with me, and she sucks as an evaluator of talent but said he made Rik pissed off at times that he was able to beat him to the rim and spun around him in the post. Now Rik is in his 40's and Derrik much younger but again, RIk was an NBA great with some serious size and knows how to position himself well.

.

Rik turned 50 two days ago.