May 4, 2011

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech men's basketball coach Michael White and his staff announced the signing of 6-3, 185-pound guard Kenneth Smith to a national letter of intent on Wednesday.

A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Smith was named to the Class 5A all-State team while leading Boca Ciega High School to a 27-3 record last season. Smith, who goes by the name Speedy, averaged 18.0 points, 10.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals while committing just 1.4 turnovers per game as the team's starting point guard.

"Speedy fills an immediate need for us as a playmaker," White said. "His coach Randy Shuman has done a great job with his development. Speedy is a terrific passer and a winner."

A first team all-county selection, Smith led Boca Ciega High School, located in Gulfport, to a state ranking as high as No. 5 in class 5A.

"I felt a good vibe as soon as I got to Ruston on my visit," Smith said. "I felt at home. Coach White is a very good coach. We both like the same upbeat style of play. He was a good point guard in his day at Ole Miss, so he'll know what I'll be thinking and help me grow as a player."

Smith joins guard Alex Carr and forward Michale Kyser as signees for the 2011-12 season.