Everyone knew that No. 2 Auburn (-15.5 favorites) would be a popular pick to make a deep run into the Men’s NCAA tournament. Everyone also knew that they would probably blow out their first-round opponent, Jacksonville State. That’s what favorites are supposed to do. (Kentucky, turn around and close your eyes for a second.) The only thing truly left underdetermined was what mark likely NBA lottery pick Jabari Smith would leave on the proceedings.
Smith, the best player on one of the best teams in the country, has it in him to take games over as he pleases. With jaw-dropping athletic ability, guys like him only come around every once in a blue moon. And as Auburn finished up a routine 80-61 win, Smith made sure to add his exclamation point.
JABARI SMITH WITH THE POSTER 😤#MarchMadness | @AuburnMBB pic.twitter.com/G0ufo40VGy
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2022
Look at that extension. Really look at it. Oh my goodness. You know the dunk is sick when someone’s entire arm winds back, and they have to gather themselves after landing.
Smith’s dunk was so awesome that it even threw off his Auburn teammates, who couldn’t believe what they just saw.
lmao Jabari Smith just threw down such a large dunk that even his teammates, who see him practice and do crazy shit every day, are just like “oh my god what just happened” pic.twitter.com/jFGI5RNcjP
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 18, 2022
What a coincidence. That’s my face watching Smith’s dunk, too.
Tigers center Walker Kessler might have summed it up best in the post-game.
Walker Kessler’s response to the Jabari Smith dunk?
“I mean, enough said.”@AuburnMBB advances pic.twitter.com/eQ5b5JGYVH
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 18, 2022
Honestly, what else can you say that the splitting of the rim didn’t?
KD Johnson Walker Kessler and Bruce Pearl on Jabari Smith's amazing dunk @abc3340 pic.twitter.com/7JT8VXaGeg
— Chris McCulley (@ChrisMcCulleyTV) March 18, 2022
Something tells me that it’s only a matter of time before Smith unleashes freakish dunks on everyone foolish enough to get in his way.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
