3 ways in which NCAA starlet Jabari Smith is leading the charge for Auburn this year

Freshman Jabari Smith Jr. and the Auburn Tigers have taken the college basketball world by storm this year. Although the 2021-22 season has brought fans a number of fascinating storylines to monitor, the impressive play of the Tigers has been one of the stop developments this year.

The Tigers currently find themselves with a record of 18-1, including an impressive 7-0 record in conference play. The team has won 15 straight games and looks to be firing on all cylinders.

One of the main reasons for Auburn's rise to the national spotlight this year has been the sensational play of freshman forward Jabari Smith Jr. Since entering the season as a potential top-10 selection in the upcoming NBA draft, Smith has been outstanding with his play on both sides of the floor and has the Tigers looking like one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

It was announced today that for the first time in the history of the program, the Tigers have earned the No. 1 ranking in the country.

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Three Ways in which Jabari Smith is leading Auburn's charge

Auburn freshman Jabari Smith Jr. continues to shine for the Tigers.

Auburn freshman Jabari Smith Jr. continues to be one of the most impressive players in college basketball this year. At 6-foot-10, 220 pounds, the 18-year-old has been remarkable and has been one of the hottest names in college hoops. After coming into the season as a potential top-10 selection for the NBA draft, Smith has found himself as a favorite to be selected somewhere inside the top 3.

If Smith can keep up with this type of play, he's going to be a popular name to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the season. Let's take a look at why Smith has been so impressive this year for the Tigers.

#3 Versatility

Auburn freshman forward Jabari Smith Jr.

After being a five-star recruit in the high school basketball world, many were intrigued to see what Jabari Smith Jr. could do with the Tigers.

It was expected Smith would be an offensive weapon who could potentially stretch the floor from time to time. Smith has brought that to the table and more with his versatility on the offensive side of the ball. It's not often you see a young player with the combination of size and offensive versatility that the 18-year-old has.

The buzz surrounding Jabari Smith Jr. as a potential top-three selection in the 2022 draft has only gotten louder with each passing week. The lengthy forward has stood out with his ability to score from multiple levels at a high level. Coach Bruce Pearl has even said the freshman is "one of the best jump shooters in college basketball."

#2 Defensive Ability

Jabari Smith Jr. continues to thrive for Auburn this year.

Many expected Jabari Smith Jr. to be an offensive weapon for Auburn this year. While the talented freshman has shown that and more, it's been his defensive ability that has stood out in a major way. His ability and potential to guard multiple positions at a high level is one of the reasons the freshman has become so fascinating when it comes to NBA personnel evaluating him as a prospect.

Smith stands out for his ability to switch onto smaller players and hold his own. He has exceptional lateral quickness and the ability to move his feet with relative ease. The 18-year-old forward is averaging 1.1 blocks and 1.4 steals per game and has turned himself into a versatile weapon on defense.

#1 Offensive Firepower

Auburn freshman Jabari Smith Jr. has become a potential top-three selection in the 2022 NBA draft

It didn't take long before the basketball world noticed had a dangerous asset in its rotation when it came to Jabari Smith Jr. It's rare to see the type of things the freshman forward is doing as Smith looks to have the complete package when it comes to his game offensively. He has the ability to post up defenders and hit difficult jumpshots, while also being able to stretch the floor from deep.

It seems as if Smith does something in every game for the Auburn Tigers that has basketball fans around the world shaking their heads in disbelief. The athletic forward has shown plenty of times this year he also possesses the ability to push the ball up the floor and punish defenses with his ball handling ability.

College basketball and NBA fans will be watching Auburn and Jabari Smith Jr. closely throughout the remainder of the year. He looks like a generational talent who could be a prized possession for the NBA draft.

With the things the 6-foot-10 freshman is doing, it's not out of the question for him to have his name called first in the 2022 draft. Smith is averaging 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 45.9%, including 42.3% from downtown.