NC State a finalist for Valparaiso grad transfer Derrik Smits, who is set to visit Raleigh

Former Valparaiso big man Derrik Smits is down to three schools, per Jeff Goodman: NC State, Arizona State, and Butler. Smits is scheduled to visit the Wolfpack this weekend and the other two schools next week.

(And yes, if you were wondering, he is Rik Smits’ son.)

Derrik Smits averaged 12.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for Valpo this season, leading the team in both categories. He is a graduate transfer, which means that he’s eligible to play immediately. While he wouldn’t do anything for NC State’s perimeter offense, his 7’1” frame would sure as heck help up front.

Smits shot a career-best 57.7% inside the arc last season and was an excellent rebounder at both ends of the floor. He’s also a decent rim protector. His issues have been turnovers and foul trouble, and I wouldn’t expect either of those to go away if he moves up to the major-conference level.

But Valpo also relied on Smits to create offense as a primary scorer, and that wouldn’t be the case at NC State, which might at least help with the turnovers. Regardless, he’d be a helpful addition to the rotation.