The only place Tyler Smith heard his name called Thursday night was over Bearden's public address system.
The big money and large life of the NBA remains at least another year off for Smith, who didn't waiver after his April 24 announcement that he would return to Tennessee for his junior season.
"I'm pretty sure I could have been financially stable and enjoying that life that everyone wants,'' said Smith, who scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in HT Group's 119-96 win over Richardson Construction in the Pilot Rocky Top League.
"But I wanted to come back and work hard to improve my game and win a championship,'' said Smith, who was projected to be a late-first to early-second round pick in Thursday night's NBA draft. "I'm really enjoying my time with my new teammates.''
Smith will return to Pulaski, Tenn., this weekend to celebrate the second birthday of his son, Amare.
"That's another thing,'' Smith said, "I'm with my family, and I'm still home.''
UT junior guard Josh Tabb said Smith's return to the Vols is a big lift for the team.
"I think it makes a lot of difference,'' Tabb said. "Tyler can score, rebound and dish out assists. He's a great player who knows what it takes to win, and he competes every time he takes the floor.''
Smith's drive has led his PRTL team to a 5-0 record and a spot in Wednesday's title game.
"I'm not where I need to be yet,'' Smith said. "You'll still see a lot of the old Tyler next year, but I'm trying to improve my jump shot and my dribbling.''
Smith, at 6-foot-7, is projected to play small forward in the NBA. At UT, he used his quickness and leaping ability to win matchups at power forward last season.
Smith will still score points near the basket, but he's expected to play more on the perimeter this season as the Vols will be without 3-point marksmen Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith.
While Tyler Smith said he does not regret his decision to stay another year, he admits there are mornings he wakes up and wonders: what if?
"There are some days you say that, knowing you've got to get up every day for summer classes and workouts,'' Smith said. "But I knew that when I made my decision. I'm pretty sure I'll be up there in the top 12 or 15 next year.''
Smith said the bottom line is business.
"If you're in the top 13, you'll get at least $3 million,'' he said. "Late first round, $800,000 to $900,000, then you take taxes out, and I get myself a nice new car, and there's no money left.''
Title Tilt: Ray's ESG topped Toyota of Knoxville 114-112 to put itself in position to play HT Group for the PRTL title Wednesday.
Both Ray's and Toyota are 3-2, but Ray's can clinch the No. 2 spot with a win on Monday against Richardson Construction (1-4).
UT incoming freshman Scotty Hopson scored a game-high 38 points to lead Ray's and Bobby Maze had 35.
"Tyler and Daniel (West) have been talking trash, so I want to play them again,'' said Hopson, who also had 11 rebounds. "I'm ready; it's gonna be put up or shut up for them.''
Tony White Jr. led Toyota with 30 points, Rashard Lee had 26 and Wayne Chism added 20.
Chism won the battle of big men, holding Ray's Brian Williams to 12 points. Both UT centers had 14 rebounds.
"Wayne played as consistent start to finish as I've ever seen him play,'' Toyota of Knoxville coach Rick Campbell said. "Wayne really stepped up for us tonight and showed some leadership. I challenged him to play every minute Brian did, and then some, and he said, 'yes sir.' The credit goes to him.''
Chism said he never considered leaving UT when he submitted paperwork to the NBA Draft Advisory Committee.
"I just wanted to see what I needed to work on,'' Chism said.
Hopson said that growing up he had visions of going straight into the NBA from high school.
"But I'm glad it worked out this way,'' Hopson said. "I'm enjoying my experience here.''
Clinch: Former Halls standout Cameron Sharp hit a 3-pointer from the corner in the finals seconds to lift the News Sentinel to a 102-101 win over First Tennessee.
Damon Johnson led the Sentinel with 31 points while Zach Hyatte had 25 for First Tennessee (1-4).
The Sentinel (2-3) clinched a spot in Wednesday's 3-4 game against Ray's or Toyota of Knoxville.
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Comments » 86
VolPride_13 writes:
Tyler, just keep it up and you'll most likely hear your name called in the lottery next year!!
Anyone know if the Vols are gonna do the Euro trip again or something like it or is the Rocky Top League IT?
richvol writes:
The NCAA restricts trips to countries outside the U.S. I seem to recall that you can go once every three or four years. That prevents the richer schools from attracting recruits over the smaller schools with lavish trips.
Glad to see Chism responding to the need for leadership. He is capable of it and has to lead if Tennessee is to get past the sweet 16.
vol88 writes:
Dang, I feel exactly the same way...
"Late first round, $800,000 to $900,000, then you take taxes out, and I get myself a nice new car, and there's no money left.''
Thanks for coming back Tyler!
alfrizzle097 writes:
No money left? How much is that car gonna cost?
b_neas writes:
Dang! What kind of car is he going to buy? If he gets $800,000 taxes may take $300,000, that leaves him half a mil. He must have his eyes on a nice car, lol. Also good to see that Hopson can get rebs, even if his shot is off he can still contribute!
HotlantaVol writes:
I think I could make due with $800-900K, even after taxes. There might even be some money left.
OTOH, I get to work for 40+ years (basically until I topple over at my desk). NBA players have much shorter careers on average.
txsvol#372416 writes:
Looks like nobody plays defense in the PRTL. On a trip back to TN last week, I read economic data in the CN-FP that indicated a rare county in TN where the median income was $40K or better, so Tyler needs to study economics during the school year, so he can understand realities rather than dreams. At the same time, I agree with his decision to remain in school and work on his game, and become a lottery pick. Any offers for Chris Lofton for a summer development league team? Go Vols! SAVol
VenomousVol writes:
Don't forget Cream+Ripple=Cripple
Ripple that has gone flat=Flapple
jackxx#237396 writes:
Mike Griffith
Smith didn't 'waiver' or was it 'waver'?
Remember spell-check will not catch the wrong word spelled correctly!
Jackfergs in VA
BADGES0413 writes:
It looks like he made the right decision by staying, work on that 15 foot jumper Tyler.
Venom and Marc, Mufumgo goes good with Champipple.
I like mine fried, dyed and laid to the side.
tmartin writes:
b
knoxtenor writes:
Hey, guys, don't forget that Tyler would have to put GAS in that nice, new car. The way things are going, his $3M next year may only be enough for gas to and from an NBA team's arena or practice facility.
bugman (Inactive) writes:
800-900k will get you a nice car...right...how about a nice house and 401k to start BRO
TommyJack writes:
Sounds to me like the man knows the difference between 800k and $3million. Some are too harsh as to his way of expressing it. IMO.
CoverOrange writes:
You're worth what someone is willing to pay you. What Tyler earns or doesn't earn won't affect the ways and means of any incomes in "rare" Tennessee counties. I don't begrudge Tyler one dollar. iam4ua, OTOH, owes us all.
TommyJack writes:
Please people. Don't feed the bubba.
newtonrail writes:
Jackxx: Waiver is the correct usage.
FatherVol writes:
Do they still make Ripple?
b_neas writes:
Do not think they make ripple anymore, but they do make Boones Creek and MD 20/20 which is basically the same thing, cheap alcohol is cheap alcohol no matter the name.
Hunter writes:
Many young guys grow up with visions of the NBA and making the "big money" - like MTV Cribs kind of money. It's interesting to see how little (relative to other sports) late first-rounders in the NBA receive. That $500,000 a year after taxes for the 3 guaranteed years of a contract ain't exactly enough to sustain you for the rest of your life. Gotta get a degree.....
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
If we're just talking basketball, then this all makes sense. But when his son grows up, he'll probably say he'd rather have had his dad around while he was growing up than all that money he sent back. That's no substitute at all. Sorry Tyler, but your priorities changed the moment...
Sorry to be a downer, but choices have consequences.
GoVol writes:
Tyler seems like a good young man. Her certainly made the correct decision to come back and improve his game. It is an investment that he will benefit from; personally and financially.
b_neas writes:
As long as he continues to surround himself with good people and family, he and his son will be fine.
GreerVol22 writes:
FatherVol, Fred Sanford use to drink Champipple for special occasions. As Archie used to say, those were the days...
Volumnus writes:
Degree??? I have not checked his(Mr. Smith's) major, but most althetes are not enrolled in the college of Engineering or pre-med or pre-law. The benefit of his degree may not be equal to the benefit of the NBA, but I agree a few economics courses might be well placed this year. Then he needs to invest to secure the future of his two year old son. And oh, Tyler, Amare should not be "another thing", he should be "the most important thing!" Use this year wisely, you have a car for 1 or 2 years, you have Amare the rest of your life!
b_neas writes:
I think its crazy that we are giving a young man pointers and advice on how to live his life from a few comments he gave to a reporter. Tyler seems to have his head an straight and is a good kid. None of know him personally. Let him live and learn! Sometimes the most valuable lessons are the ones you learn when you fail. D@mn
memphistenn2117 writes:
UT Players Drafted: 0
Memphis: 3
Guess Lofton and Jajuan weren't as good as you thought. The draft isn't interested in March losers.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Good point b_neas
Don't know about the champipple, but you could mix up a little ripple and tanqueray and have one of Manny Fresh's favorites... Rippueray.
I think we're all glad to see Tyler back this year. He's going to make a great leader and mentor for all of the young talent we've got coming in. With his game and attitude, the sky is the limit.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
memphuck-
They were good enough to beat y'all two years in a row.
And Bammer scum can't even post on a b-ball article period. That'd be like me going on a UGA board to talk smack about baseball. Know your place Bammer!
Sorry TJ. I just couldn't help myself. I'm done.
Volchaz writes:
Tyler made the right call. He'll get to where he wants to be, and his son should be well taken care of the rest of his life.
memphistenn2117 writes:
Yep and they were also good enough to never make it past the sweet sixteen hahahahahahaha
memphistenn2117 writes:
www.bernieball.blogspot.com
Here is a great explanation of Tennessee basketball!
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Hey Mem 2117:
Shut up. I am from Memphis, and you are embarrassing me. Memphis is a great city and your bush league attitude is horrible. Get some humility and stop hurting our reputation.....jackass....
dvols writes:
yall go check out bobby maze on youtube, bmaze
awesome!
WVVOLFAN writes:
02/23/08 at Memphis State 66-62 (W)
National Championship Runner Up= 1st Loser
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
I'm happy for Mr. Rose. He was a truly great player. I do think that success in the pros does yield to a slight elevation in a college hoops program, but those numbers pale in comparison to other facts.
Those key facts in evaluating a rivalry are:
1) Head to head play
2) Quality seasons
A) Post Season Accomplishment
B) Wins over top competition
C) Wins in a season
3) Recruiting successes (because all rivalries are about the future as much as the present and much more so than the past)
4) National Recognition
A) AP and ESPN Polls
B) NBA draft picks
C) Famous Coaches
We are winning:
1
2B
4C
You are winning:
2A
4A
4B
2C
We are Too Close To Call:
3
Now on the list of things I aspire for us to move forward in, certainly our players having success in the pros is one of them. But you are pumping your chests way more than is necessary for this part of the rivalry. You're not getting any of the money they will get paid.
By the way, another reason I'm happy for Mr. Rose is that we don't have to see him next year. We won the game, but man that kid played great.
memphistenn2117 writes:
HC Journals...I will not be quiet. You have bush league attitude. Go cry me a river.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Awwww yeah, B-Maze baby. He put on fo Tennessee.
Seriously though, the guy is a heck of a ball player. I can't wait to see the team in action. They're going to run the Tigirls out of the gym!
BADGES0413 writes:
Mem 2117,
So what you are telling us is Memphis with 3 NBA caliber players got beat by UT 66-62 with one walk on guard and one nobody wanted plus two players high on Maui Waui. Wow, Memphis has to be proud of all of their accomplishments, wait a minute they have zero Natinoal Championships. Must be proud of thier arena, no wait a minute they play in a Rubiks cube. It must be the city, no Harlem laughs at Memphis. Even your biggest and fattest claim to game Elvis was born in Mississippi. So much to be proud of.
memphistenn2117 writes:
The Fedex Forum is the nicest arena that any college team plays in...if you think anything different...you are on the Maui Waui. Again...talk when you make it past the sweet sixteen, not just this year but EVER!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
BTW, congratulations to Memphis on an outstanding season and another great recruiting class. Derrick Rose and CDR were both very special players. Dorsey, I think, will be a flop in the NBA.
TommyJack writes:
UT_Law: Unlike your profession, sir, you are not paid by the word here.
WVVOLFAN writes:
02/23/08 at Memphis State 66-62 (W)
National Championship Runner Up= 1st Loser
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Or by the valid point either, TommyJack.
BADGES0413 writes:
Don't have to wait for Sweet 16 I will talk now.
Memphis has the same amount of NC Basketball titles as UT and has an all time losing record vs UT. You actually made a simpleton of yourself by admitting NBA loaded Memphis lost to UT with Average players. How does that happen, how could you not have won the NC with all that talent? I don't get it when opposing fans try to make a point about how good their players are and instead prove the same point I was trying to make. If you win a NC I will give you props, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.
Colliervol writes:
HC Journals is dead on. Don't waste any time with Memphistenn. He can't answer a valid question if you pose it to him three or four times. My mother always told me never to get into a battle of wits with an unarmed man. You'll just end up frustrated.
TopTenn writes:
memphistenn, got a spare TO.
memphistenn2117 writes:
Hate to break it to you...nobody thinks Tennessee will win a national title before Memphis. Sorry
memphistenn2117 writes:
dont waste your time with colliervol...he is another Tennessee fan who has never witnessed his team play a meaningful game in March...unless you count almost losing to American and Butler.
bugman (Inactive) writes:
what's funny is this is just a game and people actually waste their time fighting about it.
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