As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, Deivon Smith continues to rise on draft boards, drawing praise for his elite athleticism and dynamic playmaking. Hall of Famer Rick Pitino, now leading the St. John’s program, has repeatedly lauded Smith’s influence throughout the 2024-25 season.
The veteran coach has emphasized Smith’s explosive ability and floor presence, calling him a difference-maker on both ends. Smith’s journey through college basketball reflects adaptability and perseverance—qualities now fueling his growing draft momentum and attracting admiration from one of the game’s most respected voices.
Deivon Smith Turning Heads As Rick Pitino Praises His Athleticism
Smith’s stock for the 2025 NBA Draft is gaining traction, and St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino is among his most vocal supporters.
“Deivon Smith is truly a unique talent. Incredible athlete with unbelievable speed. Legit NBA talent!!” Pitino said in a post on X.
Deivon Smith is truly a unique talent. Incredible athlete with unbelievable speed. Legit NBA talent!!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) May 9, 2025
Smith, a native of Decatur, Georgia, has played for four programs during his college career—Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Utah, and St. John’s. His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game has stood out.
In his lone season at Utah (2023-24), he averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 46.7% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range. At St. John’s in 2024-25, Smith posted 9.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, improving his long-range shooting to 36.5%.
Known for his relentless motor, Smith has made a habit of stuffing the stat sheet. His performances included a 20-point outing against Delaware (Dec. 28), where he also tallied a career-best 13 rebounds and eight assists.
He notched a 17-point game on 53.3% shooting at Providence (Dec. 20), and posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double versus Virginia (Nov. 22). Against Quinnipiac (Nov. 9), he became the first Red Storm player since Justin Simon to finish a game with at least 10 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and three steals.
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Smith’s collegiate progression is evident in his numbers: from 5.6 points per game at Mississippi State to double-figure scoring and elevated efficiency at Utah and St. John’s.
His combination of speed, rebounding, and court vision makes him a rare breed at the guard spot—attributes that validate Pitino’s high praise and fuel growing intrigue from NBA scouts.
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