State College, Pa. - May 5, 2003 - Penn State Nittany Lion basketball coach Ed DeChellis received a national letter of intent from New York City native Marlon Smith (Bronx, N.Y.) today. Smith becomes the first player to sign with Penn State since DeChellis was named head coach on April 3.

"We are fortunate to have a young man the caliber of Marlon Smith decide to continue his academic and athletic careers at Penn State," DeChellis said. "He is a great guard who possesses quickness, strength and skill."

Smith is a 6-0, 175-pound guard who played high school basketball at one of the nation's most respected and renowned high schools, Archbishop Molloy High School, in Briarwood, N.Y. Playing for legendary head coach Jack Curran, Smith earned first team All-Catholic School in the state of New York and was a second team All-City selection.

This past season, Smith averaged 18 points per game, four assists per contest, five rebounds per game and three steals per contest. He helped guide Molloy to a spot in the City League semifinals with a 28-point performance in Molloy's upset win over Rice in the quarterfinals. Smith hit the game-winning shot in that contest as well. He was selected to play in the prestigious New York vs. Chicago All-Star Game, a contest reserved for the best players in each city.

"He has played for an outstanding high school coach in Jack Curran at one of the nation's most well known schools, Archbishop Molloy," DeChellis said. "I believe that he has the potential to excel at Penn State and I welcome his addition to the Penn State family."

Smith is an outstanding student as well. He was named to Molloy's Honor Roll this year.