Meet Stephon Smith (again)

Stephon Smith is featured in the above three photos

Darryl Harris is the BOCCA head coach

Stephon Smith reached out to SpartanHoops recently and at 6-foot-8 and 253 pounds, when he speaks, we certainly listen.

For memory refreshment, Stephon signed a letter-of-intent with San Jose State University back in November.

We learned that he is attending a new school, Body of Christ Christian Academy (BOCCA) in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In a handful of games so far, Smith is averaging a double-double in scoring and rebounding against "good competition" -- his description. He added, "I've definitely improved my ballhandling and shooting and there is a trainer here, Lorenzo Odom, who I am working out with." Smith also trains with BOCCA Lead Assistant Coach Warrick Scott.

He is also doing body work and is up to the aforementioned 253 pounds so to answer the late Clara Peller: the beef is coming.

As for the future, Smith will be arriving in San Jose "as early as the coaches can get me there."

He certainly has plans.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to come in and help the program," Smith said. "I'm hoping to get on campus, learn my way around, introduce myself and interact with the fans."

There is also an coincidental item that makes it appear it was Smith's destiny to be at SJSU. Recruited by SJSU Assistant Coach Talvin Hester, Smith explained, "I was born on October 24 and Coach Hester's new daughter has the exact same birthdate."

Darryl Harris is the head coach at BOCCA and he is effusive in his praise of Smith.

"Stephon is just a beast in the paint and he's just scratching the surface. He's also good on the perimeter and can knock down the three if need be. Steph plays with poise, is a good athlete with a great ceiling and is very coachable. He is college ready with that body."

Harris also likes what he sees off the court from Smith. "He's done a really good job in the classroom and is a leader. Steph is a blessing to us."

Being in Raleigh, Smith is in college basketball heaven, surrounded by North Carolina State, Duke, North Carolina, with Wake Forest the most distant. at 100 miles away. May he bring some of that aura with him when he heads west.