EDWARDSVILLE — A year ago, Mark Smith created no sort of reaction from the average Illinois fan.
Now, the Edwardsville senior has the full attention of Illini supporters — along with interest from those backing Michigan State, Ohio State, Kentucky and perhaps Duke — cast his way as the 6-foot-5, 225-pound guard prepares to make his college intentions known.
The 2017 News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year, 2017 Mr. Basketball winner and the state’s 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year is slated to announce his college destination at 6 p.m. on Wednesday inside the Tigers’ Lucco-Jackson Gymnasium.