"The Fearless Rim Ruler With Sky High Power and Relentless Interior Force"

Caiden Smith

@smith_caiden33

IG: @Caiden7105

6’8, 185lbs, Class of 2026

Nicholas County HS, KY

Caiden steps into the paint as a commanding force built to dominate everything around the rim. He is a post presence monster who gobbles up rebounds, erases shots with ruthless intent, and unleashes rim-rocking dunks that warn defenders to look out below. With his length, timing, and explosive lift, he lives above the crowd and controls the interior with fierce energy. Every possession feels different when he’s on the floor because he brings power, toughness, and a natural instinct to own his space. Reaching the milestone of 500 career rebounds only reinforces just how overwhelming his presence is inside.

Last season, Caiden averaged 11.2 points and 12.8 rebounds, proving he is a true double-double machine. His game highs of 23 points and 26 rebounds, and he opened this year with back-to-back statements: 15 points and 13 rebounds in the preseason win over Montgomery County and another 15 points and 13 rebounds in Game 1. His impact starts with rim protection and relentless rebounding, which fuel easy put-backs and second-chance points. His biggest jump has been stepping into a leadership role and putting in extra hours before and after practice to elevate his game.

Caiden is focused on building strength, improving his free throws, and developing a more complete skill set. What motivates him most is knowing that his dream of playing college basketball is becoming real. Seeing college coaches take notice has pushed his work ethic to another level. He has Paris circled as his fiercest rival, and he’s ready to meet that matchup with full intensity.

Coaches can count on Caiden to give everything he has every time he touches the floor. He follows instructions, plays with a level head, and leads with maturity. This season, he wants to break records, hang banners, and finish as the number one rebounder in the state after placing fourth last year. When he dunks in a tight game, it ignites him more than anything. When facing adversity, he stays calm and keeps pushing. The best coaching advice he received unlocked something in him: they can’t stop you, keep going.

Caiden’s background shapes who he is beyond the court. Growing up in a blended, diverse family taught him compassion and patience. His brother with special needs strengthened his heart and perspective. Working since childhood, driving tractors and baling hay, built a toughness that now shows in his game. Selling his first tobacco crop reflects the work ethic that fuels everything he does.

His dream is to play college basketball, and he appreciates every school willing to see his value. He enjoyed the Austin Peay camp and left inspired by Coach Corey Gipson. EKU’s camp and Coach A.W. Hamilton also left a strong impact. Caiden is ready, rising, and proving he’s a name college coaches should lock in on now.

I assess that Caiden brings a dominating interior presence that elevates both ends of the floor. His rebounding gives teams control, and his rim protection forces opponents to adjust their entire game plan. He finishes through traffic, competes at a high level, and provides leadership that strengthens a team’s identity. Any college program needing toughness inside and a player who can anchor the paint will find immediate value in what he offers.

As he continues improving strength, touch, and versatility, Caiden’s upside becomes even more exciting. His early-season double-doubles show that he is ready for a bigger stage. Expect him to grow into a powerful interior cornerstone who can rebound at an elite rate, protect the rim, and finish plays with authority. His work ethic and mindset point toward long-term impact and a future filled with continued rise and potential. Stay tuned.