Dave Hooker audio:
Making sense of scouting
Here's how an NBA scout, speaking on the condition of anonymity, evaluates Tennessee players:
Tyler Smith
He's not a home run; he's not the complete package because he doesn't have a great jump shot. He has great athletic ability. He's kind of a tweener; he plays more like a three (small forward) than a two (shooting guard), but he's more the two size than the three. Now, (Louisville's) Earl Clark, that's what an NBA three looks like.
"It's good he's (Smith) getting feedback on his status instead of the garbage you get from agents or runners. I see him as a late-first (round), early-second pick.
Chris Lofton
I just don't see it. Even if you thought a team would let him jump up there and take some of those shots, and then, B), make them over bigger, quicker guys, I don't have a clue who he could guard in the NBA. He's kind of slow-footed. He's a great kid, though, and I think he could make a lot of money in Europe.
Jajuan Smith
He has a better chance of making it in the NBA than Lofton. JaJuan is quick enough to be a lock-down defender. He took a lot of chances on defense because of the system he played in.
Scotty Hopson
I don't know if he's a one-and-done; a lot of kids always think that. The question about him is, does his motor run all the time? It's hard to say. We'll find out in Bruce Pearl's system.
- Mike Griffith
Will he stay or will he go?
That's the question Tennessee basketball fans have been asking since sophomore Tyler Smith announced last week he's considering entering the NBA draft in June.
"If Tyler is projected as a top-15 or top-16 pick, I won't let him come back,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "Because if that's the case, he absolutely has to do what's best for his family. The money in the top half of the first round is substantially better than late in the first round.''
Salaries for NBA draft picks are pre-determined through the first four years. The difference in guaranteed money between the 15th pick in the first round and the 30th and final pick of the first round is $2 million ($6.1 million to $4.1 million).
That difference can grow to $3.3 million through four years - assuming a team exercises its two-year option on the player.
Smith said his family's finances are a consideration in his decision, as he has his 19-month-old son, Amare, to support in Pulaski.
Smith will go through the NBA draft evaluation process and learn where he's expected to be picked and what aspects of his game he needs to improve on.
"If I'm not projected mid-first round, I want to come back,'' Smith said. "I love the fan support that we get here, and really, I can't ask for any more than what the fans and coaches at Tennessee have done for me.''
Should Smith choose to return to UT, the school is allowed to purchase a $1 million insurance policy on his behalf.
Having Smith back on the team would likely ensure the Vols another run at the SEC title and the NCAA championship.
The 6-foot-7 Smith was pivotal to UT's school-record 31-5 season, and he would immediately assume more of a leadership role should he remain in Knoxville for another season.
Smith's inspired play quickly won over teammates and fans last season, and he was named first-team All-SEC and honorable mention All-American in his first season with the Vols after transferring from Iowa.
Smith averaged 13.6 points per game and led UT in assists and rebounds while playing power forward.
One NBA scout, who spoke to the News Sentinel on a condition of anonymity, said Smith showed the athleticism necessary to play in the league, but there are questions about his jump shot.
Smith connected on 14 of 36 (.389) 3-point attempts, but the scout pointed out that was behind the college - not the NBA - 3-point line. Smith scored most of his points on dunks, put-backs and turnaround jumpers in the lane.
The NBA scout said he projects Smith as a late-first to early second-round pick.
The NBA does not have slotted guaranteed salaries to second-round picks.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 36
Vol_In_Ohio writes:
Well let's selfishly hope all of the people like Tyler Hansbrough decide to go pro and are slotted ahead of him. If he develops a better outside shot he could be a lottery pick in a year if he's mid to late first round now.
jpbryson#215688 writes:
Tyler needs to learn to shoot from outside. What about Tatum? Can he hit the three?
MrBamSeydu writes:
Tyler CAN go to the NBA, but I think it'd be in his and obviously UT's best interest to return next year. He'd be preseason favorite to be SEC POY and could possibly end up being a first team AA (at least 2nd team) rather than honorable mention. Plus, he'd be the "go to guy" with a far more atheletic guard tri-combo in Hopson, Tatum, and (a hopefully bulked up and better jump shooting) JP Prince.
I think if it were me, and I'm saying this with NO leaning to keep him for UT's own good, I would come back. There will be a few more under-classmen to put their names in the draft (Gordon, Rush, Hansborough, etc) after the season is totally over so he will be pushed into the 2nd round more than likely.
Like the scout said, up your jumpshot and show that you can dominate as the go to guy.
redneckerson writes:
I've seen some asinine posts but that "if it were me, I'd come back" thing beats them all. Come on, bradsummey, what frame of reference do you have to even offer an informed opinion? Anyway, thanks for the laugh.
kceltic#232917 writes:
Looked at a few mock drafts and Tyler is projected in most as a late 1st round pick. If he comes back,we'll again be a contender with the guys coming back and the good freshman class coming in.That being said,unless Ramar and J.P. make vast improvement at point guard,we're still a sweet sixteen team.
T0MMYJACK writes:
Keep reading bradsummey's posts, red, and you'll continue to laugh your a$$ off.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Tyler reminds me a lot of Dale Ellis, tho Dale was much more polished at this point in his career.
Dale didn't shoot much outside until the NBA, where that is basically all he did.
Anywho, I've said this more than a few times: Tyler will bust in the NBA if he doesn't get a better jumper, and a 3-point shot would help.
In college, the posts are pretty erratic. In the NBA, they will knock your teeth out if you put up a weak shot.
My guess is...he'll be back at UT, and work all summer on his jumper.
One teeny, tiny caveat: if it were ME, I'd go pro and work on my jumper while drawing a fat paycheck. However, I'm a near-middleaged, nojump white guy with all the moves of a pogo stick without the spring.
gruntworks writes:
"Having Smith back on the team would likely ensure the Vols another run at the SEC title and the NCAA championship."
Did I miss something? I don't recall the Vols actually making a run at the NCAA championship. You guys are still "making a run" at the Elite 8!
Grim1 writes:
We still need a BIG guy for a threat in the paint....EVERYBODY knows The Vols are gonna shoot a 3 because we have to...if we can get a 6-9/7 footer in there then other teams will have to worry about the pass and dunk and will have to cover in the paint more...which will open up the 3 point lanes better so we can hit the 3...right now we are fast..but we are a one dimensional team.
That is why Louisville beat us so easy...all they had to do was cover the arch abd bat the ball down...which they did...a lot.
dvols writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
WPAINE writes:
Wishful thinking... hes gone... Witten did not drop off, he is a pro bowl TE in the NFL..... so what if he didn't get the early signing bonus. These guys know they are good enough, then they will go.. Witten made a smart move and so will Tyler if he leaves...
daxvolfan writes:
Tyler needs to work on his outside shot and he can use some more work in the paint as well. Seems like all he did against Louisville was that fade away. NBA would eat his lunch. Another year in college and he could be a lottery pick.
txsvol#372416 writes:
Tyler theoretically has a better chance of sticking with the teams in the first half of the draft, but he's more likely to be drafted by them in the second round, where there is no guaranteed money. Amare can stay on Medicaid for another year, while his dad increases his chances for a better paycheck. Is there a shooting guru in the house? Go Vols! SAVol
billnewton#588776 writes:
volsrock54 - I said the same thing! That's the price you pay for being good. Tyler's gone, I'm afraid, and wish him well. But, I'll jump on the band wagon and say he needs to develop a better jump shot to be a success. Go Vols!
Jshoop writes:
I remember a dominant player at KY in James Lee. He could go inside and score on anybody. KY fans thought he would be such a NBA star. He had no outside shot. He didn't last a year. In the NBA, you have to have an outside shot when you're only 6'7". With out that, you are meat on the inside.
Tyler needs to work on a jump shot all summer. Add some strength and play another year showing that he has that and make much more money. On the other hand, if he can get 4.1 mil, go for it.
Speaking of work to be done this summer, Ramar, work on a jump shot and free throws. Same for JP. On Vols weakness was lack of out side threat with these guys. Teams waited inside on them.
BADGES0413 writes:
A web site nbadrat.com has Tyler going number 20 right now. It has 10 current freshman and 2 foreign players going in front of him. Looking at the freshman in front of him I think they will all declare for the draft. Hopefully they do, we would have a better chance of keeping Tyler.
BADGES0413 writes:
Web site is nbadraft.net, I was eliminated in the first round of my spelling bee.
RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:
Great news Vols fans Tyler Smith will return to UT next season. Thats because there is no way he will be a first round (first half) draft pick. He is good, but not that good. I see him being an early second round pick.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
And $4.1 mill. is not good money?
cltvol writes:
Hard to say no to the the first round money. Get the contract, focus, work hard,& strive for longevity. Aside from the talent competition, managing the hurdles of money, taxes, entourage, leaches, distractions, schedule, etc. is critical to a young player's success. I think TS has the sense, focus, and maturity to do it. James Lee was a knucklehead who could run fast, dunk left-handed, and thats about it. Probably would have been a great OLB or pass rusher, but he was probably too clean for Curci's program. Irrelevant comparison, but degree of difficulty cudos to Jshoop for dusting the name off and bringen'it.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
It's too bad we get all these mem pierce fans on here, becasue then we start to dislike everything Mem.
Okay, to my topic: Derrick Rose is an example of a player ready to go Pro, IMHO. I'm completely impressed with how he plays. Can you imagine what we would have been like with him??? Granted, we could use an Earl Clark-type big fella, but Rose does more all around.
Now, let's get to Tyler: we all pretty much know his weaknesses: defense, positioning, 3-point ragne, jump shot.
We know his strengths: hustle, quicks, battles, good post moves.
If he just needs the cash, he goes pro. If he wants to MAYBE ramp up his game, he stays at UT.
One thind I'd say: saty at UT, and he is a household name again next year. Go pro, and the nation forgets about him.
An example, that guy that played at Texas last year, ummm, player of the year, umm.... who?? I'm serious, i can't remember. Once you go to the NBA, you are pretty much gone from a lot of people's notice.
FlushTheJohn writes:
dvols
Wow!! I have never seen a dumber post in my life!! It appears that you need to go back to elementary school! Learn how to spell idiot!! You make no sense and you are only embarrassing yourself. I'm sure you will not respond to my post because you can't read it, but it may at least make others laugh!
In case you can read, it appears that you are a Memphis fan. Let me ask you this, when was the last time you beat us at anything? And next year you have to come to Knoxville! Looks like 3 in a row for the Basketball Vols over Tiger High School!!
F off!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
pjhaddix, no doubt $4.1 mil is good money, but that is if he IS picked in the first round. The unnamed NBA scout said "late first to early second-round pick". There is no guarantee that a second-rounder will even make the team, let alone get guaranteed money. That evaluation, with which I concur, FWIW, shows that it would be a gamble for him to go out this year. If he is determined enough to endure a few years knocking around between the D-League and various overseas teams, he could eventually get a shot at the BIG league, but that would certainly not be a quick fix for whatever financial problems he might have right now. I hope he takes a deep breath and decides to work to get better in order to remove all doubt after next season. At his size, a proven outside shot, good ball-handling, and solid defense on the perimeter are imperative. We should have enough strength and depth in the post to allow him to work mostly at wing next year if he chooses to come back. The NBA is far more competitive now than it was in Dale Ellis' time, what with all the underclassmen and foreigners these days. Tyler won't have as much opportunity to sit the bench, drawing a big check, while he discovers his game, as was the case with Ellis.
shocker0042#634184 writes:
Fellas,
Although i think we all want Tyler to stay and be the man next year. How nice is it to be debating if he should leave early. My time at UT was spent watching decent players, knowing we were going to have them for four years. And praying we have a shot at making the tourney. Speaks volumes at how much CBP has raised the talent level and expectations. CBP the next Dean Smith
SewaneeVolFAn writes:
Well, we know Tyler has a kid, and we keep hearing that Tyler and his family REALLY need the money. Therefore, even a second round pick or even playing in Europe might be worth it to Tyler. No one can blame him for leaving if he needs the money that much. However, if he has the luxury of planning for more than a year ahead, it would make the most sense to stay in school for another year or more unless or until he is projected to be a lottery pick. If he can afford to defer the jump until the best time to do it, anything less than a lottery pick would be a strong argument to stay in school.
When I first read what the anonymous scout had to say about TS's game, I considered becoming a scout myself because he was saying what I've been saying for months. But then I realized that everyone else on this site has been saying it just as long as I have, too. And if all the posters and I can say the same thing about Tyler's game (great desire, great leader, very athletic, needs jump shot, is a tweener in size and game) and then have it supported by an NBA scout, then I'd say it would be best for him to stay in college for as long as he can and as long as his game keeps improving. And with the notable exception of this year's point guards, Pearl has a great record of helping players improve. Too many UT basketball Vols have thought they had the pro game when they didn't, and the list is long and sad....
As far as what it would do for UT, I'd say that he's very important, but not CRITICALLY important, for UT's success next year. Without him, UT would have to do more playing by committee, but with UT's depth, that wouldn't be the end of the world. But if all the vets return, including Tatum and Childress, and if the newcomers, especially the Mich. point guard and Hopson stay with their commitments, UT will be AWESOME, in its depth, chemistry, versatility, and athleticism. They could improve on every positive team record they set this year. Plus, in that case Tyler could play small forward much more than he did this year (perhaps even off guard, if UT wants to go with a giant backcourt with Prince), which would help his NBA status.
So all the evidence seems to say that the best move for UT and Tyler Smith would be for him to stay unless he projects as a lottery pick, which seems to be highly unlikely.
murrayvol writes:
mparker: Kevin Durant may well be "gone from a lot of people's notice" including mine as a non NBA follower but he's got a boatload of cash to comfort him in the dark hours. And I'm pretty sure his mother still loves him.
wagee12 writes:
Two words for Tyler-- Marcus Haslip! Also MH was 6-10, not 6-7. Here are MH's numbers from his last year in college at UT.
AT TENNESSEE
As a junior, ranked fourth in the SEC in scoring (16.7 ppg), eighth in rebounding (6.7 rpg), fourth in field goal percentage (.518) and second in blocks (1.76 bpg).
Scored 20 or more points eight times.
Averaged 19.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks against nationally-ranked teams.
Averaged 17.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in SEC games.
Scored a career-high 30 points against Alabama.
Had 18 points and 11 rebounds against Georgia.
Totaled 24 points and 12 rebounds against Kentucky.
Returned to the Tennessee lineup on Dec. 15, after being ruled academically ineligible for the fall semester.
stroker writes:
jonathan81254 wish I had time to read your post.
The Vols ain't middle of the pack without Tyler,they will still compete for SEC champs if BP stays. Tyler will be much missed.
THE_VOL writes:
This whole decision is going to depend on some guys that are still playing. Three of the four FF teams each have multiple players that IF they come out would logically go before Tyler thus pushing him down to the latter first round at best. That said, 4.1 mil is still nothing to sneeze at HOWEVER the more you get pushed down the list the greater the risk that you end up in the second round with NO guaranteed money. Tyler is NOT a guaranteed lottery pick this year therefore his wisest decision would be to come back, improve his jumper and ballhandling, and put himself in a lottery spot next year.
invisiblekid writes:
I'd like to see Smith come back but I hope he gets that guaranteed money and makes it in the top half of the draft. After all, no sense in begrudging a kid the chance to make a substantial amount of money and live his dream. I think the scout's comments hits the nail on the head, not big and strong enough to play the 3 and not quite the skills to be a 2 yet. I think he has the ability to excel at either position but a shooting guard seems to be his best bet IMO. Like the General said, he has good form on his shot already the only problem is he wasn't asked to be a shooter this year. Next year would be a different story though.
davidray31#232814 writes:
What NBA player does Tyler compare too?What star past or present.The question has nothing to do with whether he should stay or go.Just looking for opinions.
kceltic#232917 writes:
Davidray31:As far as an older star I would compare Tyler to Adrian Dantley.Dantley was probably a little heavier than Tyler and about 6'5 or 6'6,but had the moves from 10 to 15 feet that remind me of Tyler.
As for a player today,I think his game is comparable to Stackhouse or maybe Corey Brewer.Can't think of too many of today's stars like Tyler.He needs to develop his outside shot a little more to be compared to guys his size like Gay,Pierce,Josh Howard,and others who can hit the long jumper or muscle inside for their shots.
THE_VOL writes:
hey marc - your being an A$$ again - I don't remember mentioning you in my post. do you really want to start with me again a$$wipe??????
davidray31#232814 writes:
Thanks for the comparision kceltic.That is right on.I hope Tyler stays on pace and becomes the next Adrian Dantley.The Stackhouse comparision is right on too.
BigManVolFan writes:
Come back Tyler and tear it up next year and make yourself a potential top 10 pick!!!!! This team needs you T. Smith!!!
DSmooth1977 writes:
Tyler Smith, would be a second round pick and play in NBDL next year, stay in school, work on your game, it's just my opinion. I would like to see him acheive his dreams, but going pro is not a great move.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.