Brandon Smith Ruled Academically Ineligible

Brandon Smith, a 6-foot-6 freshman shooting guard/small forward, has been ruled academically ineligible. The former Minneapolis (MN) Patrick Henry standout attended his alma mater's game versus Minneapolis De LaSalle, which the Patriots won 77-62. Henry junior guard Al Nolen Jr. has committted to Minnesota. Smith played just three games as a senior before leaving the Patriots after a disagreement with head coach Larry McKenzie.

Brandon Smith picked Minnesota over Marquette, Oklahoma (where former Henry standouts Lawrence McKenzie and Johnnie Gilbert attended). McKenzie has since transferred back home to Minnesota. Smith, who was considered by many as the top Minnesota player in his class, averaged 16 points and five rebounds per game as a junior as the Patriots finished 21-8, losing to Armstrong in the Section 5AAAA finals after winning three straight state titles.

Smith was an excellent student at Henry as he posted a 3.8 GPA. He planned to major in business in college. Smith played at the ABCD camp and played AAU ball as a member of Team Minnesota.

Smith averaged 3.0 points in 14.8 minutes per game. He had missed the previous four games and did not play in the UAB contest.

Smith will be forced to miss the remainder of the season, which hurts the depth of the Gophers, who are off to an 0-4 Big Ten start.