Jabari Smith almost went to Georgia but he wanted to win.

Jabari Smith’s decision to commit to Auburn University in 2020 marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the Tigers. From an athlete hailed as one of the top high school basketball recruits in the country, to a lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Smith’s time at Auburn was as much about his growth as it was about the program’s rise to prominence. But behind the scenes, there’s a compelling story about the choices Smith faced during his recruitment process—especially his near-decision to attend the University of Georgia, a school closer to home. What made Jabari Smith, who grew up in the heart of Georgia basketball country, ultimately choose Auburn over the Bulldogs, and what does it say about his mentality, work ethic, and desire to win?

This question of why Smith chose Auburn over Georgia, a school that offered him local ties, family support, and a comfortable transition, is essential to understanding the path that led to his stellar freshman year, his eventual NBA career, and how he helped propel Auburn basketball to national relevance.

Jabari Smith’s recruitment process was a spectacle, even before the five-star recruit became a household name in college basketball. Born in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Smith grew up watching college basketball games in the SEC, and the University of Georgia, just a short drive from his hometown, was always a viable option for the young player. The Bulldogs had an undeniable advantage: proximity.

For many top recruits, the decision to stay home can be one of the most significant factors. Georgia’s basketball program was on the rise, thanks in part to their head coach, Tom Crean, who had previously found success at Marquette and Indiana. Crean brought a level of credibility and energy to the program that had fans, players, and recruits alike feeling optimistic about the future of Georgia basketball.

What made the situation even more compelling for Smith was the strong connection he had to the Georgia program, especially through family ties. Smith’s father, Jabari Smith Sr., had played college basketball at a high level, and the idea of having the chance to see his son follow in his footsteps at Georgia was a dream come true for the Smith family. Georgia was a familiar environment, with a fanbase that was eager to see the hometown hero shine, and an established program that was prepared to invest in him.

On top of that, playing for Georgia offered Smith a chance to remain close to home, where his friends and family could watch him develop as a player and a person. For many players, this kind of familiarity and connection to home can be a powerful pull, offering comfort and stability in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

However, as Smith’s recruitment played out, the conversation took a turn. While Georgia may have felt like the natural fit, the draw of Auburn’s basketball program—and the opportunity to take his game to another level—was too great to ignore.

At the time of Smith’s recruitment, Auburn’s basketball program was still in the midst of rebuilding. Bruce Pearl, who had taken over as head coach in 2014, had brought the Tigers from mediocrity to national prominence. Pearl’s commitment to a fast-paced, exciting style of play and his reputation for developing NBA-caliber talent made Auburn an increasingly attractive destination for high school recruits looking to play in the SEC and gain exposure on the national stage.

In 2020, Auburn had just come off a historic run to the Final Four in 2019, which placed the program firmly in the spotlight. Despite the NCAA tournament ban the team faced due to violations committed under the previous coaching staff, Pearl’s Tigers had proven their ability to compete at the highest level. The combination of Auburn’s rising profile, Pearl’s coaching acumen, and the program’s commitment to developing NBA-level talent made Auburn an exciting option for Smith.

One of the key selling points for Smith was Auburn’s ability to provide him with a platform to showcase his skills. While Georgia certainly offered a chance for Smith to be a centerpiece of the program, Auburn presented a higher ceiling for his basketball career—both in terms of development and exposure.

Ultimately, what made Smith’s decision to choose Auburn over Georgia boil down to was his desire to win. While loyalty to one’s hometown program is a powerful motivator, Smith’s competitive drive was even stronger. He was not interested in merely being a big fish in a small pond; he wanted to be part of something that had championship aspirations, something that could elevate his game and his prospects for the future.

From the outset, Smith made it clear that he was a player with championship dreams. He wanted to play for a program with a proven track record of success, and he wanted to do so on a national stage. Auburn, with its electric atmosphere, its track record of success under Pearl, and its growing reputation as a breeding ground for NBA talent, offered the perfect environment for Smith to achieve those goals.

In a sense, Auburn’s basketball program was an embodiment of what Smith sought: an opportunity to compete at the highest level, play against the best, and eventually get his shot at the NBA. Under Pearl’s leadership, the Auburn Tigers were known for their up-tempo, high-scoring style of play, which suited Smith’s versatile skill set perfectly. He could fit into Auburn’s style, while still developing his game and establishing himself as one of the best players in the country.

Once Jabari Smith arrived at Auburn, it didn’t take long for fans, coaches, and analysts to see that his decision was the right one. From the very first game of the 2021-2022 season, Smith emerged as a leader on the floor. He was a versatile forward capable of doing it all—shooting from the outside, driving to the basket, defending at a high level, and grabbing rebounds. His unique skill set and high basketball IQ made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Smith’s freshman year at Auburn was nothing short of sensational. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, a consensus All-American, and one of the top prospects for the NBA Draft. His leadership on the court, combined with his ability to impact all areas of the game, helped lead Auburn to a No. 1 ranking in the country during the regular season. His play was instrumental in Auburn’s 28-6 record, and the Tigers were a legitimate national championship contender.

More than just stats, Smith became the face of Auburn basketball in a way that went beyond the box score. He became the embodiment of the program’s rise to the top of college basketball. His decision to come to Auburn not only shaped his own career but also helped elevate the program and solidified its position as one of the top basketball destinations in the country.

Jabari Smith’s decision to prioritize winning over familiarity shows a mindset that is not just about personal accolades, but about striving for greatness. He wasn’t just looking for a place where he could shine individually—he was looking for a place where he could push himself to the highest level, and where he could help build something special.

At Auburn, Smith found the perfect environment for his aspirations. The team’s success in the 2021-2022 season demonstrated that the Tigers were indeed on the verge of competing for championships, and Smith was integral to that success. From his first day on campus, it was clear that Smith was not just a talented player; he was a winner, a leader, and a player who wanted to leave a legacy.

Moreover, Smith’s choice to come to Auburn also speaks to his understanding of the business of college basketball. The NBA Draft is the ultimate goal for many young players, and Smith recognized that his best chance to reach that level of success was to play for a program that could showcase his talents on a national stage. Under Bruce Pearl’s guidance, Smith knew he would be given the platform to elevate his game, improve his skills, and gain the exposure needed to achieve his dreams of making it to the NBA.

Jabari Smith’s success at Auburn wasn’t just limited to college accolades; it was the key to unlocking his NBA dream. After one season at Auburn, Smith declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, where he was selected with the No. 3 overall pick by the Houston Rockets. His year at Auburn was transformative not only for the Tigers, but for Smith personally, as he showcased his immense talent and work ethic, all while leading the Tigers to one of their most successful seasons in recent memory.

For Smith, his decision to turn down Georgia and commit to Auburn was vindicated. His year with the Tigers proved that choosing to play for a program that prioritized winning was the right choice. Not only did it give him the chance to compete at a high level, but it also set him up for success at the next stage of his career.

Jabari Smith’s decision to choose Auburn over Georgia wasn’t just about basketball—it was about his unwavering drive to compete at the highest level and to put himself in the best position to achieve greatness. His desire to win, to play in a program that could take him to the top, and to ultimately reach the NBA, shaped his decision. That decision, in turn, helped shape the trajectory of Auburn basketball, bringing the program to new heights and solidifying its place in the national spotlight.

Smith’s legacy at Auburn is defined not just by his talent, but by the way he embodied the program’s ascent, showing that sometimes, taking the road less traveled—stepping away from the comfort of home—is the best path to achieving greatness.