Posted by Plasticman on April 3, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope Tyler stays and makes BIG money after next season unless of course he is projected as a Top 15 pick, which I think is highly unlikely.His staying will be the difference between an SEC Championship and a middle of the pack SEC team next year.

Posted by bricker865 on April 3, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

guys....chris lofton on espn at 9 tonight!!

Posted by Vol_In_Ohio on April 3, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by bricker865 on April 3, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn't know it was over :( per the other article that just came out.

Posted by bricker865 on April 3, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the scout report at the end of the article probably sounds more realistic than him going in the mid first round. Again, Lofton on ESPN right now, but the other article that just came out spoiled it :(

Posted by jpbryson on April 3, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tyler needs to learn to shoot from outside. What about Tatum? Can he hit the three?

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 3, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Plasticman on April 3, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great interview on the radio with Scotty Hopson today in Knoxville. He sounds very intelligent and mature as well as very confident in his abilities. Best part was at the end of the interview he said "Go Vols!" Can't wait to see him play .

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 3, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet Pearl will have all his guys learning how to shoot 3's for next season. Ramar Smith and JP Prince already have one on one drive to the basket skills. If they could just develop a 3 point shot, we could really be good next season. It can be done. Look at what Dale Ellis did in the NBA. While deadly inside, he was not a good shot from outside while at UT. Ramar and JP need to learn to do the opposite of what Chris Lofton had to learn to become a more complete player.
As far as Tyler Smith goes, I believe he is the best 3 point shooter left after Lofton and J Smith are gone. He really does have great form. I'm not sure I saw him take any NBA 3 point shots?

Posted by redneckerson on April 3, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by kceltic on April 3, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on April 3, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep reading bradsummey's posts, red, and you'll continue to laugh your a$$ off.

Posted by mparker on April 4, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by gruntworks on April 4, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"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!

Posted by Grim1 on April 4, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by dvols on April 4, 2008 at 12:46 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by bamacheats on April 4, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ask Jason Witten how reliable that "mid first round" projection is. That's the same result he got and I think Tyler would suffer the same drop.

Posted by WPAINE on April 4, 2008 at 2:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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...

Posted by daxvolfan on April 4, 2008 at 3:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by txsvol on April 4, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by volsrock54 on April 4, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats what happens when your program starts going big time. You get big time players that want to turn pro after a couple of years. I guess its the price you pay for getting better. Go Vols!

Posted by billnewton on April 4, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by Jshoop on April 4, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 4, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 4, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Web site is nbadraft.net, I was eliminated in the first round of my spelling bee.

Posted by bigorangedude on April 4, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by pjhaddix on April 4, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And $4.1 mill. is not good money?

Posted by cltvol on April 4, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by marc_ash on April 4, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would love for Tyler to come back next year and I think he should. I understand there is a risk of injury by staying another year, but at worse case scenerio he has a college degree that he can have for a lifetime.

If he leaves, I would completely understand, but hopefully he will be staying. Take out an insurance policy on yourself for a couple of million and play the season.

Either way Tyler, you have been a joy to watch in Knoxville. Thank you for coming back home.

Posted by marc_ash on April 4, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I also think a lot of this decision will be based on the underclassmen that come out this year. There is a huge handful of freshmen with the potential to come out this season (Love, Rose, Mayo, Beasley, Gordon) not to mention some other players that would more than likely be picked before Tyler (Hansbrough, Agustine, Rush).

In looking at the talent this season, there is a HUGE array of underclass options that a lot of teams will probably look to. I want the best for Tyler, but I would have to agree with Vol_In_Ohio....if he waits another year, he could be a lottery pick.

OTOH, he could suffer the Lofton syndrome and be in a system that greatly reduces his numbers. I don't think Lofton would have been highly considered for the NBA last season, but in comparing the last 2 seasons I think he had a better chance last year given the year he had.

Posted by mparker on April 4, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's too bad we get all these mem prick 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.

Posted by FlushTheJohn on April 4, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by johnlg00 on April 4, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by shocker0042 on April 4, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by jonathan81254 on April 4, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by murrayvol on April 4, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by wagee12 on April 4, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by stroker on April 4, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by THE_VOL on April 4, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by marc_ash on April 4, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thevol,
It's obvious you are once again making a comment based on your own opinion and not on what the player actually said. Way to go there lunchbox.

The fact is Tyler said he would decide based on his projected draft slot and on his families finances. Of course his spot makes a difference, but he isn't going to know his slot even if everyone on the mock draft list comes out. Thats why they call them "mock projections"

Tyler knows he isn't a top lottery pick, which is why he is "weighing his options". Good job reporting what we all already know though.

Posted by invisiblekid on April 4, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by davidray31 on April 4, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by kceltic on April 4, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by jovi on April 4, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Say bye to TY hes gone. The NBA will take him now and have him ready in two to three years.They know he will be a good player in the NBA Sooner or later.

Posted by Plasticman on April 4, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is no guranteed money of $4.1M unless you are a lottery pick. No way TS is a lottery pick this year. I'm not sure he even goes in the 1st round. Most 1st round guys are able to take over a game in college, something he only did a few times this season. Next season, I think he would be dominant in the SEC, especially if he can develop a better jump shot. Stay 365 more days for $3-$4 Million more money, I think that's a no brainer!

Posted by THE_VOL on April 5, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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??????

Posted by davidray31 on April 5, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by BigManVolFan on April 5, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come back Tyler and tear it up next year and make yourself a potential top 10 pick!!!!! This team needs you T. Smith!!!

Posted by DSmooth1977 on April 5, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.