MOORHEAD — Minnesota State Moorhead has added a Division I transfer with ties to Miami Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro.
South Florida transfer Nic Smith verbally committed to the Dragons men's basketball program Thursday, June 12. Smith finished his prep career at Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wisconsin, in 2023.
Tyler Herro also played for Whitnall during his prep career, and Smith played with Tyler's younger brother Austin Herro and Myles Herro.
“Those guys are basically like my brothers," Smith said. "I'm very close with the family."
Smith, a 6-foot guard, spent the past two seasons at South Florida, redshirting last season. He played in two games for the Bulls in 2023-24. He was recruited to USF as a preferred walk-on and is also a preferred walk-on for the Dragons.
“I’ve got to go out there and show them my game and who I am," Smith said.
Smith has three seasons of eligibility remaining. The Dragons have a projected 15 roster spots filled for next season, counting Smith, who has yet to sign. MSUM head coach Jason Kemp can't comment on Smith until he signs.
Smith played for South Florida head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim in 2023-24. Abdur-Rahim died in October of 2024 at age 43. Smith said the fact Kemp had a friendship with Abdur-Rahim played a role in his choosing the Dragons.
“MSUM was really like a family atmosphere and that really reminded me of the University of South Florida," Smith said. "It felt like the perfect fit for me."
Smith said he's attended around 10 Heat games with the Herro family to watch Tyler play in recent seasons.
“It’s a very cool experience to be able to see one of the top scorers in the (NBA) right now," Smith said.
Austin Herro committed to play at St. Thomas this offseason, transferring from South Carolina. Myles Herro has committed to play for Ohio State University.
Smith said long-range shooting is one of his top skills.
“I really take pride in my shooting abilities," Smith said. “I’m a great floor spacer and I can help the team in shooting. I'll do whatever it takes to help a team win."
Smith also liked the fact the Dragons have been a winning program with 75 victories and two Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament championships over the past three seasons.
“One thing that really stood out to me was the winning and the winning culture that I noticed within the program," Smith said. "The last few years the program has won a lot and significantly. I really like that.”
Nic Smith has committed to play men's basketball at Minnesota State Moorhead. Smith spent the previous two seasons at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Former South Florida guard Nic Smith has verbally committed to play men's basketball at Minnesota State Moorhead.