Ray Smith plays in his first game since his ACL injury, scores 22 points while hitting a game-winner

The future Wildcat should be more than ready to go for the start of the season

Roughly ten months after tearing his ACL, incoming freshman Ray Smith returned to the court to play in the Southern Nevada Senior All-Star Basketball Game. It would be his first time playing in a game since the injury.

The forward scored 22 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and even hit the game-winning basket. He told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he felt like his usual self out there:

"This just tells me that no skill, no heart, no perseverance, no attitude, nothing is lost," Smith said. "It was a setback for a major comeback. I really believe that. And I just thank God for everything he’s done for me.

While Smith already told me last month that he was about 100%, playing in a game is obviously a major step in his recovery.

Smith was ranked as the 19th best prospect in the 2015 class by 247Sports.com, and his health is outstanding news for Sean Miller and the Arizona Wildcats as he should be more than ready to go for the start of the season.

Many envision the 6'8" forward as a potential starter this season for Arizona since he fits the prototypical mold of the forwards Miller has had success with in recent years - high basketball IQ, gifted athlete, can guard multiple positions, and is a versatile scorer.

Not to mention the departures of both Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson have left the Wildcats a bit thin at the small forward position.

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