Smart: from Young to Rice

D'Frantz Smart will play basketball at Rice University. So what? Big deal?

Perhaps.

However, realize this: Smart finished second as Ms. Basketball in the state of Illinois her senior season. Smart had a scholarship offer to play basketball for head coach Jolette Law at the Univeristy of Illinois. Smart also helped her high school, Chicago's Whitney Young HS, win the Illinois 4A state title this past season.

Why did D'Frantz Smart choose little old Rice University to further her basketball career?

Maybe it's because D'Frantz Smart is little herself. She's not quite 5 feet tall.

“Actually, I’m 4 feet and 11 and ¾ inches.”

Whatever she lacks in height, Smart makes up with quickness, smarts, toughness, and confidence.

“I don’t like to be cocky; but, I’m good.”

If you're so good, why Rice?

“I got letters from big time programs; but, when it came down to them choosing somebody that’s 5’7” but not as skilled as me, they chose the 5’7” person. They knew my skills were better; but, went with the taller person as they always do in basketball. I’m fine with that. I’m going to show that my skills are better than height. They can recruit on potential. At Rice, they recruit on who can play.”

D'Frantz is confident; but, she's also talented.

“I was runner-up for Ms. Basketball in the state of Illinois. I lost to Sarah Boothe. She’s going to Stanford.”

Let her describe her basketball skills.

“My game is quick. It’s up and down. I like to get out and run. Pass. Shoot a lot of threes. And just keep the game moving. Everything I do is fast but under control. But, at the same time, I can run an offense in the half court.”

Smart is currently in Houston attending summer school -- she's taking two classes -- Public Speaking and Communications.

“It’s a lot of work piled up in a small amount of time; but, at the same time, it’s a small environment so the teacher gives you a lot of one-on-one time which helps you learn better. I came here for the small environment. I’m ready to learn; and, more importantly, I’m ready to hoop.”

She's also participating in the Open Gym sessions on campus.

“Open gym has been good so far. It’s been competitive. We have other people (from around town) participate because all of my teammates are not here right now. I’m excited for when the season comes to see everybody on the court together.”

Smart is also smart -- pun intended. She has a very clear understanding of recruiting in college basketball -- the good and the bad.

“In the bigger conferences, people get lost in the system; and, at a smaller conference, you can shine and people still notice who you are even if you came from a smaller school. People in the NBA and the WNBA have gone to schools you’ve never heard of; but, they still go in the first round of the Draft. It’s just about how you play at that small school instead of going to a big time school. Nowadays, a lot of kids choose the bigger school simply because of the name. They’re not going for fit; and, that’s why a lot of people are transferring today. I came to a place that fit my style where I could possibly get playing time early instead of sitting for three years or getting recruited over.”

She did her research before choosing to attend Rice.

“I learned about Rice through the mail and receiving recruiting letters. I Googled them, too. I found out Rice is one of the best schools in the nation.”

D'Frantz is also a student of the game.

“Coach (Rice Owls head coach Greg Williams) Williams is the main reason I’m came here. He coached in the league (WNBA). He has experience. He coached Becky Hammon and helped her get to where she is now. I’m pretty sure he can help me get better just as he helped her.”

Smart follows the NBA -- “I’m a huge Kobe Bryant fan. He’s the best player ever – in my opinion.”

But, she also keeps up with the WNBA as well.

“I’m more of a (Phoenix Mercury guards) Diana Taurasi / Cappie Pondexter fan. Cappie first because I’m sticking with the Chicago people.”

Despite being a tad bit under five-feet tall, Smart wants to improve, get this, her mid-range game.

“I want to improve my mid-range game. I want to get better at moving without the ball. People say it’s a lost art. I agree. It’s hard to come from having the ball all the time in high school then come to college where everybody is good. As long as you move without the ball, you can never be guarded. Like Rip Hamilton (of the Detroit Pistons), he averages 20 (points per game) because he comes off screens; so, I’m trying to add that to my game as well.”

D'Frantz is one of four freshmen for Rice in 2008 - 2009; and, despite Rice's having only four upperclassmen on this year's team, she believes the Owls will be more than okay this season.

“Rice is going to be good this year. Trust.”

D'Frantz has her eyes on this season and her future, too.

“I do hope to play in the WNBA. I’m not going to shy away from that as a goal; but, at the same time, I’m going to use my degree – chemical engineering. I’m pretty sure that will make me more money than playing in the WNBA. If the chance to play in the W comes, I’ll take it. If not, I’ll have a six-figure job waiting for me.”