Ramar Smith said he likes the weather, and he likes Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl.

The question is, does the Rivals.com five-star-rated guard from Detroit King High School like them enough to sign with the Vols on Wednesday?

"I’ll have a decision in 72 hours,’’ said Smith, a muscular 6-foot-2, 205-pounder. "Coach (Pearl) is a good person; he’s someone I could see myself playing for.’’

The common thought before Smith’s visit to Knoxville this weekend was that he was destined to sign with Arkansas.

Smith, who attended the Tennessee-LSU baseball game just hours after arriving in Knoxville Friday, said what he likes most about the Hogs is that there are "good people’’ there.

But Smith already knows a couple of the "good people’’ the Vols have already signed in this class: forwards Wayne Chism and Duke Crews.

"Wayne’s a good player I saw at the Nike All-American Camp,’’ Smith said. "Duke’s my guy. He’s real good; real strong and athletic.’’

Smith could offer the Vols a penetrating guard who can also shut down some of the top perimeter players in the SEC.

"I like to penetrate, and when the defense doesn’t bite on it, I’m scoring,’’ Smith said.

Smith was recruited heavily by Michigan State before making a commitment to Connecticut.

Things with the Huskies didn’t work out, however, and Smith set his sites on the SEC. He likes the athletic style of play.

"I really want to get somewhere away from home that’s different,’’ Smith said. "I want to play in a new environment.’’

Smith said he was impressed with Thompson-Boling Arena, but that won’t be a determining factor.

"I’ve just got to do what’s best for me,’’ Smith said.