Kianna Smith
Number: 14
Height: 6’0
Class: Redshirt Junior
Position: Guard
Hometown: Moreno Valley, California
Rankings:
- 5* Guard
- 17th Overall Player Class of 2017 (ESPNW Hoopgurlz)
- 27th Overall Player (Prospects Nation)
Accolades:
- McDonald’s All-American
- First-Team All-State, All-Orange County 2016
As a high school senior, Kianna averaged 21.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.7apg, and 2.6spg. Kianna committed to California out of high school, where she played in all 32 games and started 31 games. Smith was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.
Coach Walz: “Kianna will bring a lot to our team, both on and off the floor.”
Breakdown: Kianna Smith is a silky smooth and athletic combo guard. Kianna can score with the best of them and can score effectively from all three levels of the floor. Smith’s elite level quick first step allows her to explode past defenders and get to whatever spot she wants to. With Smith’s ability to get by defenders, it forces the help side defense to rotate over and that’s where Kianna shows off her great vision and passing skills. Smith is an exceptionally talented player who has a great feel for the game.
My Take: With two years of Division 1 experience and sitting out last year due to transfer rules, Kianna will bring experience to the Louisville backcourt. Louisville is very guard heavy, but the Louisville guards are extremely talented. With Smith’s ability to score and pass, she’ll be vital in how much and how successful Coach Walz four guard lineup will be. With the amount of scorers on this year’s team, having players who can get them the ball will be just as important as the person scoring.
