5-star prospect Dennis Smith Jr. commits to NC State

One of college basketball's top 2016 prospects is off the board.

Five-star point guard Dennis Smith Jr. has committed to NC State, Paul Biancardi of ESPN reported Thursday.

"Growing up an NC State fan I knew they would be one of my top schools," Smith said. "Coach (Mark) Gottfried made me a priority, showing up, sitting in front to all my games in the live periods. That loyalty meant a lot to me. After giving the decision a lot of thought we all felt State was the best situation for me."

ESPN ranks Smith as the No. 4 recruit in the class of 2016 and the second-best prospect for that year in his home state of North Carolina.

The Fayetteville product chose the Wolfpack over offers from Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Wake Forest.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Smith is currently recovering from a torn left ACL he suffered during play at a recruiting showcase in August.

"My recovery is going great," he said. "Actually it's going a little faster than expected. I just went from walking with two crutches to walking with one crutch and my knee is starting to bend ... I am excited."