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

#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.