Oklahoma State combo guard Marcus Smart was one of the stars of the 2012-2013 college basketball season as an across the board stat-stuffing freshman. In a weak draft class he would have likely been the number one pick, and was expected to declare with the 2014 class chock full of franchise-player talent.
Smart went against the grain however and stuck around in Stillwater to try and improve his overall game. While the stats are still sound-he's averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game-Smart's stock could be falling.
The Cowboys have hit the skids a little, losing three straight tilts, while Smart's 3-point shooting has regressed from it's below average mark from one season ago. Also, Smart has gained a reputation for flopping, which he acknowledges. "I've probably built up a little reputation, and I'm not questioning that," Smart said. But I'm not the only one flopping. Every team and every player does it to make sure you get the call."
Still Smart's mental toughness may come under fire after some recent outbursts and complaining about unsteady officiating. "It's so inconsistent," Smart said. "We have no idea what to expect. And as a player, it messes with your mind."
Teammate Markel Brown has come to Smart's defense, telling reporters "It's been tough for him. Everyone's out to get him, and he's still young and learning."
All is far from lost for Smart though. The numbers mentioned above are mostly increases from his freshman season, and there's plenty of time remaining this year to erase doubts about his makeup.
"I know players are going to go out and take shots at me," he said. "Starting this game, I'm putting it in the back of my mind. If that's how it's going to be played, that's how it's going to be played. If they can do it to me, I can do it also. That's my mindset from here on out. Physically, there's going to be nothing easy."
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