When it comes to bars about balling, J. Cole’s catalogue already holds weight next to greats like Cam’Ron, Fabolous and even his boss, Jay Z. The 6-foot-3 rapper can hoop a little bit, as he showed in the 2012 NBA Celebrity All Star Game, but even he’d admit that he’s a way better rapper than he is a basketball player. We’re all waiting a week to cop that 2014 Forest Hills Drive album, but none of us would stick around to watch cole shoot jumpers.
That doesn’t mean Fayetteville doesn’t produce actual ballers. Recently, on a trip back to his home town, Cole came face to face with Dennis Smith, a high school talent most experts consider the next John Wall or Russell Westbrook. Watch the two meet for the first time, as Jermaine challenges him to a 1-on-1, inquires about his grades and reminisces with hometown homies about when he used to handle his on the hardwood. Oh, and remember where you heard the name Dennis Smith. He’s NBA good. Trust us (see below).