After having visited Clemson twice in the past few months, Brad Brownell’s program has made an impression on 2027 recruit LJ Smith.

The 5-star combo guard (Lincolnton, N.C.) first visited last September, taking in a basketball practice, as well as the football team’s Homecoming win over Stanford.

His last visit came on Monday when the Tigers absolutely throttled North Carolina 85-65.

“It was a good visit, I loved it,” Smith told The Clemson Insider. “The coaching staff was welcoming, the atmosphere was nice. They played good.”

One of the things that really stood out was the cohesiveness Brownell’s team displayed on the floor.

“They all play together,” Smith said. “Not a lot of miscommunication and if there is they get it figured out, keep playing together and keep playing hard.”

The freedom that Brownell gives his guards on the floor also resonated.

“He lets his guards play,” Smith said. “They get up and down. They play hard defense. Communicate well.”

Smith also appreciates the emphasis Brownell places on the defensive end of the court. It’s an area Smith is already excelling in.

“I will say it’s strong,” he said of his defensive game. “But I can keep improving on it.”

Smith is one of the Top 30 players in the 2027 recruiting class. He ranks No. 3 among all combo guards and No. 3 in the state of North Carolina.

The 6-foot-4 prospect already has offers from Kansas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech, among others. While Clemson has yet to offer, Smith is most definitely on the Tigers’ radar. North Carolina has also been recruiting him hard, but like Clemson, the Heels have yet to offer.

Earning 5-star status and garnering that kind of attention so early in the process has been a learning process, but one he’s handling well.

“Just keep putting in the work,” Smith added. “Just keep staying humble. Going hard and staying focused.”

Being so early in the process, Smith hasn’t given much thought regarding a timeline for making a decision. For now, he is content to keep building relationships and enjoying the recruiting process.

He does know what he’s looking for in a college program, and culture and development will factor in heavily.

“A school that feels like home,” Smith said. “One that can make me better and help get me to the next level.”