Huskers Add Explosive New York City Guard

Lincoln -- Coach Barry Collier announced today that New York City native Michael Smith has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to attend the University of Nebraska and play for the Cornhuskers beginning in the 2005-06 season.

"We are very pleased and excited to have Mike join our program this summer," Collier said. "Mike brings a great amount of athleticism with amazing speed and great court vision that will give him a chance to help us right away."

A 6-2, 190-pounder from the Bronx, N.Y., Smith played at BronxRegionalHigh School under Coach Wade Williams. Smith averaged 18 points and nine assists per game as a senior, according to Williams. A two-year starter at point guard, Smith led his team to its second straight Alternative League championship with a 15-1 record and is a strong candidate for the league's player-of-the-year award. Williams said Smith led the team to a 16-1 record as a junior while averaging about 15 points and six assists per game.

"Mike is a leader first. I put him on the floor and he ran the offense and was the point man on our press before we dropped back into man-to-man," Williams said. "There is no doubt in my mind he is one of the most energetic and talented guards I have ever had, and a number of Division I players have come through this program in my 15 years, including Curtis Stinson who now plays in the Big 12.

"In one word, Mike is tough. He takes winning personally and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He takes great pride in being a good defender, and in the offseason, when you tell him what he needs to improve on, he is on autopilot and just gets it done."

Smith, whose father, Lee Green, played collegiately at St. John's, has also played with LPAC, a Bronx-based AAU program organized by Ruben Tavarez. Smith chose the Huskers after also receiving interest from Cincinnati, South Florida and San JoseState.

"I am looking forward to playing for the Huskers and being a part of the family and the success," Smith said. "There was a good chemistry there right away when I played pickup with the guys on my visit and I'm looking forward to helping the team. I'm excited and can't wait to be there."

Smith is set to graduate in June and anticipates attending the second summer school session at Nebraska in July. He fills the open scholarship available to the Huskers after Will Harris, who signed a National Letter-of-Intent in October 2004, was granted a release from his scholarship commitment due solely to his mother's medical issues. Harris made the request for his release after indicating he wanted to remain closer to his mother, Veronica.

"I'm very disappointed to not be attending the University of Nebraska this fall," Will Harris said. "I enjoyed everything about the school and especially my relationship with the players and coaches. My mother's health is the only thing that would prevent me from being able to fulfill my previous obligation."

"In light of my health concerns, I'm very appreciative of Nebraska's willingness to release Will so that he may be nearby," Veronica Harris said.

The decision to release Harris was not easily made, but ultimately was the right choice according to Collier.

"We were looking forward to working with him next year and watching his development over the next few years, not only as a player but as a person," Collier said. "Unfortunately there is a health issue with his mother that necessitates Will remaining closer to home. His mother's health is the reason we released Will."