California JC forward commits to Rebels

Anthony Smith, a 6-foot 7-inch forward at Feather River College in Quincy, California, committed on Monday to play basketball at UNLV.

He said he chose the Rebels over Utah State.

“I see myself playing the one (point guard) to four (power forward),” Smith said. “My strongest position would be a two. I can stretch the floor, play defense, shoot, drive and get down low and box out.”

Smith averages 22.3 points and 8.4 rebounds, and he has made 57.1 percent of his field goals. He didn’t play high school ball, but in his junior college debut last season, Smith averaged 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds and made 57.3 percent of his shots.

There is a video online of Smith dunking after jumping from near the free throw line.

As the father of daughter Hazel Erie Smith, who turns 1 on Friday, Smith said he chose UNLV also because of the coaching staff’s commitment to academics. Smith said he wants to major in business and help give back to his hometown of Sacramento, California. lar-season championship? It will be tough, but the Mountain West is again down, so that goal isn’t out of reach.

But their season ultimately comes down to the conference tournament in early March. San Diego State fell just short last season and was sent to the National Invitation Tournament.

“Our goal every year is to win the Mountain West conference,” Fisher said. “Until you tell me mathematically we can’t, it’s going to be our No. 1 goal. Now we’re not going to jeopardize the health of our team and play people hurt.

“We want to get our team better. If you get better, that helps you on both ends. It helps you prepare for your conference, and then obviously it helps you prepare for March 8 when the conference tournament begins in Vegas.” Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.