Adams: Tyler Smith needs to look for shot as well as teammates

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Tyler Smith's offensive versatility is both an attribute and a challenge.

As Tennessee's assist leader, he fosters expectations as a playmaker. As the team's leader in field-goal percentage, he's expected to provide points of his own.

And neither role is more important than the other as UT takes on Butler in the second round of the NCAA tournament this afternoon.

UT's point guard position is in disarray. That puts a premium on Smith's passing prowess.

Based on Friday's first-round games, Smith's scoring could be just as vital to UT's offense.

Butler shut down South Alabama's leading scorer, Demetric Bennett, in an 81-61 first-round victory. Chris Lofton, UT's leading scorer, managed only five points in the Vols' 72-57 first-round victory over American.

If Lofton has similar difficulties, the two Smiths - Tyler and JaJuan - become UT's best options. JaJuan is comfortable in that role. Tyler was more comfortable in that role last year at Iowa.

"This year (his first at UT), we've got so many weapons that I really just let the game come to me and don't take as many shots as I did last year, or have the ball in my hands as much," Tyler Smith said.

His unselfish approach to the game makes him a great teammate. But he might have to become more selfish if UT is to make a strong run through the NCAA tournament.

"When you lead your team in field-goal percentage and you lead your team in assists, it becomes a challenge for you because we rely on him to get guys the ball," UT coach Bruce Pearl said Saturday. "Part of the evolution of Tyler Smith this year was him setting up his teammates in the early portion of the year and then finding ways to score."

Smith is just fine with finding ways for teammates to score. Like Lofton, he has star talent without a star's ego. And in his first season with the Vols, he obviously has been more intent on fitting in than standing out.

His devotion to the team concept is commendable. But this is no time for subjugating your talent.

Former starting point guard Jordan Howell has played his way onto the bench. Ramar Smith, who also has started at the position, is struggling as well. In fact, their play has deteriorated to the point that Pearl has converted forward J.P. Prince into an emergency point guard.

Tyler Smith doesn't need to change positions. He might need to change his approach.

You saw Friday how he can change the course of a game. American was still clinging to its upset hopes when Smith intervened in spectacular fashion with two minutes to play.

Just as Derrick Mercer released the basketball for what he surely thought was a layup, Smith swooped across the court and blocked the shot. Seconds later, Smith assisted teammate Wayne Chism on a layup, then followed up another American miss with a rebound and free throw. Suddenly, a UT lead that had almost dwindled to five points was up to 11 with 1:38 to play.

Smith had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists against American. But he only took eight shots.

Pearl remembers one of the potential shots Smith didn't take.

"On the last possession of the first half, Tyler came off a down screen and he had an open look, but it wasn't a great look," Pearl said. "He turned it down and handed one off to JaJuan, who got a bad shot.

"So there was an example of Tyler being unselfish but maybe not aggressive enough for his own stuff."

When you ask Tyler Smith how his game has developed this season, he says right up front: "I'm just trying to find my teammates."

That's the playmaker in him talking. But in the NCAA tournament, the shooter inside UT's assist leader needs a voice, too.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.