Derrik Smits Receives Butler Offer

It’s been an unusually busy week for a Butler program that is known for being very selective in handing  out offers.  Today Butler extended their first offer of the 2015 class to Derrik Smits.  Smits, a 6’11” junior-to-be from Zionsville High School, is considered to have one of the highest ceilings in the state of Indiana.  Butler becomes the first school to extend an offer to Smits.

Smits is very familiar with the Butler program, having grown up just outside of Indianapolis and having been to multiple Butler camps in the past, including one just yesterday.  While Smits claims that he has no favorites at this point, it is expected that Butler should be a major player in the battle to land Derrik, the son of former Pacer’s all-star center Rik Smits.

It isn’t typical for Butler to extend an offer prior to June 15th of a player’s sophomore year.  While that mark is only a few weeks away, this offer was surprising to many.  It surprised Derrik as well.  “I was surprised he offered me early too. He just told me that they love how I am progressing and wanted to get their foot in the door early with me so I would know who was involved with me first.”

Derrik told me earlier this month that even if he received an offer he could not see himself making a commitment this summer (you can read that full article here if you missed it).  That hasn’t changed now that he actually holds a Butler offer.  “It doesn’t change anything for the moment on if I’m committing this summer or not,” Smits answered. “I still want to give myself time to find the right school for me. But it means a lot and I’m sure I’ll always think about the school that saw potential in me and wanted me in their program enough to offer me before anyone else.”

With June 15th approaching, it is expected that several other offers will soon be going out to members of the 2015 class.  Keep checking back and following the message boards to stay updated.

Jared Grubbs is the founder of ButlerHoops.com. He can be contacted at 812-592-1912 or by using the “Contact Us” link at the top of the page.  Follow him on twitter @Butlerway.

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