Often times people make the mistake of thinking that players in the college game “Play harder” than the professionals in the NBA. In some cases, that maybe true. But for the vast majority of teams and players, that’s a myth. Fans often watch games at the college level and see the low scores, or the struggle to generate clean, quality looks. And instead of looking deeper, they lazily chalk it up to effort and caring more. When in reality, it’s just a totally different game. 

And that is what the NBA Draft is about. Projecting what some of those young guys niche will be in the league. When the Mavericks nabbed Dennis Smith with the ninth overall selection, not only were they picking him based off of his performance in college, but they also saw something more. They envisioned a player whose skill and athleticism would be enhanced by the big leagues. 

And it’s easy to see why.

Based off of the tape at NC State, the small sample size at summer league, and Smiths physical attributes all star games seem to be on the horizon for “Junior”.

Not to sit here and tell you that college is harder than the pros. Because it’s not. However, there are certain luxuries that come with playing in the NBA. Luxuries Smith performed well despite not having in his lone year in Raleigh, such as….

1. Superior talent/Coaching

The 2016-2017 NC State Wolfpack unsightly 15-17 record tells you what you need to know about Smith’s supporting cast. In a year which head coach Mark Gottfried lost his job, which seems unfairly linked to Smith, it was clear this group was Hindering Smith’s growth. Gottfried does have a track record as a successful collegiate coach, with the reputation of being an excellent recruiter. However, with big time recruits come big time expectations. And as was often the case, Gottfried’s teams underachieved. Fair or not, that is often attributed to the head coach.

One thing you can never say about Dennis Smith’s new head coach is that he doesn’t get the most out of his players. Since 2011, the Mavericks front office has consistently handed Rick Carlisle players off the scrap heap, and he has consistently taken his group of misfits and made them competitive against the behemoths of the Western conference. In his time with Dallas, Carlisle has never had a talent like Smith to work with which should excite Mavs fans.

As for the guys Smith will be on the floor with, well, they’ll be better as well. It goes without saying the difference that it will make for the young guard. At NC State he was depended on to an extent that was just unhealthy. Something that won’t be the case in Dallas. Smith won’t have to dominate the ball like he had to in college. He will be able to relinquish some of the playmaking duties to guys like JJ Barea, and Yogi Ferrell. Or he can spot up on the weak side while Harrison Barnes goes to work in the post. Essentially, he should find a comfortable role in the offense without forcing the issue like he had to at State.

So instead of kicking out to Terry Henderson, or picking and rolling with BJ Anya, he will be driving and dishing to Seth Curry and picking and popping with Dirk Nowitzki.

2.  Rules/Officiating

Too often fans and media alike, crucify NBA officials. Those people don’t realize just how good they have it. Because college officials, the ones who officiated Smith’s games last year, are flat out brutal. Between their maddening inconsistency and their propensity to miss the necessary calls, and call the unnecessary ones, it is easy to see that Dennis Smith should be in better hands this year. 

Along with that, the NBA also sports rules that enhance the product on the floor. the Freedom of movement rule, or the death of the hand check, simply allow the NBA’s dynamic players and athletes (enter Dennis Smith) to operate much more efficiently by not allowing defenders to impede their progress with hands, elbows, knees etc…. Just a few years ago, the NCAA rules committee tried to implement these rules, but their officials are still having a tough time adjusting. 

Couple that with the defensive three-second rule, and the NBA has created a hospitable environment for offenses and Smith should reap the benefits this year. 

3 .Spacing, Spacing, Spacing!

This is precisely the biggest difference between the college and pro game.

There are a number of reasons why. For starters, the geometry of the floor is different. The lane line is actually two feet wider in the pro game than in college. Given the previously referenced defensive three-second rule, it is essentially pulling defenders away from the basket. Unclogging the lane and opening driving lanes.

Also, it should be noted that the three point line is expanded once players reach the pro level. Most assume that this is simply to make the shot more difficult. And that is true, but it also serves the same purpose that the extension of the lane line does. To push defenses further out on the floor. Because the caliber of shooters that inhabit NBA arenas today, especially the ones on Smith’s team, this puts defenses in a tough spot, to say the least. 

All the changes that occur when graduating from the college game to the pros, whether it be the upgrades in supporting cast, the improved officiating, the rule changes, or the more room guys have to work with, serve one purpose. To ignite a free flowing, up tempo game for its special talents to thrive in. 

These major points of emphasis for the league were brought about for players like Dennis Smith. Which is why there is no reason he shouldn’t flourish in his new home. Given his talent and trademark explosiveness, MFFL’s should be elated that eight other teams passed on him.

Even bigger things are coming.