Red Wolves - IU East

Bakari Smith, a senior at George Washington High School in Indianapolis, signed a letter of intent to compete in basketball and track and field at Indiana University East starting with the 2010-11 school year.

IU East men's basketball coach Mark Hester announced the signing May 7.

Smith is a 6-5 forward. He averaged about 10 points per game to help Washington's basketball team to an 11-8 record this past season, the school's first winning season since rejoining the IHSAA in 2004.

Smith ranked among the state's top 30 in field goal percentage. He also played in the POSTYOURT.org Indiana East/West All Star game.

This is Smith's first track and field season. He has posted marks of 6-0 in the high jump, 19-0 in the long jump and 56.0 in the 400.

"He is freakishly athletic and lanky, and that often translates into a pretty good college basketball career," Hester said. "And he'll be able to score well for us in track and field.

"He is another long, lanky, athletic defensive option, and that is important for us."

Smith is the son of Jacquline Smith. He plans to major in communication with an eye toward a career as a sports broadcaster.

"I came and visited, and I liked the campus and what the coaches were about," Smith said.

Smith played every position at Washington, but likely will line up at small forward for IU East.

"Whatever the coaches need me to do, I'll do it," Smith said.

Smith injured his knee during the POSTYOURT.org Indiana East/West All Star game when he landed hard after blocking a shot, but expects to be fully recovered by August.

He also enjoys music and fishing. He regularly catches catfish weighing as much as eight pounds.

"He is a good kid who is great to be around and was fun to get to know during the recruiting process," Hester said.