At the conclusion of his senior year, Smith was a unanimous All-State pick while playing for Alton High School.
He was named Co-News-Gazette Player of the Year with former University of Illinois great Nick Anderson.
Smith was also named MVP in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game.
During his high school playing time, Smith averaged 24.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 4.1 steals per game in his senior season.
[2] Smith was an instrumental force in the 1988–89 Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team's drive to the Final Four.