Tennessee’s Tyler Smith says he’s now considering playing professional basketball overseas next season.
“I might go overseas if there’s a lot of money over there,’’ said Smith, who was in Knoxville on Monday after returning from the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago over the weekend. “I don’t necessarily want to, but if the money’s there I’ll explore it.
“I’ve still got time left to make a decision. It will come down to my gut feeling.’’
Smith, a rising senior forward, originally wasn’t open to the idea of playing overseas.
But after learning how well former UT player Marcus Haislip is faring playing professionally in Italy, both from a financial and developmental standpoint, Smith is reconsidering.
Haislip played at UT from 1999-2002 and was the 13th overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft. Haislip had stints with Milwaukee and Indiana before playing in Europe in 2005-06.
“It would be hard to pass down a lot of money for my family,’’ said Smith, who has until June 15 to withdraw his name from the NBA draft and maintain his collegiate eligibility. “But at the same time, I just can’t up and leave my son (2-year-old Amare).
“That all will affect my decision.’’
Smith said something would have to be worked out for him to see his son for him to play overseas.
David Aldridge of NBA.com listed Smith along with Texas’ Damion James, Notre Dame’s Luke Harangody and Georgetown’s DaJuan Summers as “guys who could get drafted, but should go back to school to improve their games.’’
The most recent mock draft by DraftExpress.com, done Sunday, does not have Smith projected in the first or second round of the 2009 or 2010 NBA drafts.
NBADraft.net (last updated Wednesday) has Smith projected as the 27th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft.
Smith said he felt he performed well at the combine-like camp that 38 NBA prospects participated at in Chicago.
“I felt like I stacked up well against them,’’ Smith said. “But you never know how the draft will fall. I could go 21 (overall) or 32 (overall).’’
Only the 30 first-round picks receive guaranteed money.
Smith worked out at UT on Monday and will fly to Minnesota to work out with the Timberwolves on Wednesday before going on to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings on Saturday.
“Those will be my last two workouts, and then I’d like to make a decision,’’ said Smith.
Smith, who has worked out for at least four other NBA teams, has not hired an agent.
“It’s a win-win situation all the way around,’’ Smith said. “I’m back here (Knoxville) working out because I love it. If I were to get drafted, that would be a dream.’’
Smith said the draft camp in Chicago did not have 5-on-5 games like the camp in Orlando. Instead, there were more agility drills and weight-lifting tests.
“And they wanted to know about all the injuries you have ever had, even back to high school,’’ Smith said. “All of us were at the hospital like five hours a day. They did X-rays, MRIs ... there are 30 teams, and every team doctor wanted to see you.’’
Smith said he enjoyed being around other NBA-level players and the comfortable atmosphere at the camp.
“I love the process,’’ Smith said. “But I don’t want to give up any of my options on school.
“I still have an opportunity to get better here.’’
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Comments » 44
BasketVols writes:
Say it ain't so, Tyler...
kingsportvolfan writes:
that sucks, tyler needs to make up his mind though. Earlier he wasnt interested it was nba or us. I sure hope he decides to be a vol for one more year!
Go vols!!
StroVol writes:
Finish your freaking education, play ball at UT, up your average to 30 a game and get the whole damn package.
UTandETSUfan writes:
Its a good chance for him to work on playing the 3 instead of the 4 like he does here.
appalachianvol writes:
If he could stick it out one more year at UT his stock would go up for the NBA; he would earn his degree and make more moeny for the rest of his life. Maybe he needs a little counseling.
Come back Tyler.
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
As much as we all love him, it is unlikely that Tyler will be a 1st round NBA pick. If the money is right I would understand him playing in Europe to take care of his family. That said, it is likely that a Euro-Trip will be an option next year as well. Provided there are not dire financial circumstances we're all unaware of, he should come back to big Orange Country for his Senior Season.
nightxtr4in#451385 writes:
He will be broke in 3 years if he goes that route.
cobbwebb writes:
told ya so!
cobbwebb writes:
who cares? if this guy can go overseas and make 500,000- 1 mill a year, i say go for it! I support him! dc and gatorzz, you can make fun of this all you want,but you two goons know you would leave mcdonalds, to go work for dennys if the opportunity presented itself! its all about the benjamins baby!
givehim6 writes:
MONEY,,,MONEY,,,MONEY,,,,MONEY has a way of changing people.
TommyJack writes:
Stro: He ain't gonna average 30 unless they lock him up in the arena all nite on game nite.
1vavolfan writes:
Obviously Tyler has no idea what he wants to do.The workouts must not have gone too well.
Vol_Jokes writes:
Just thought i'd drop in to see how many more negative stories had been put on the site. First thing I see
is Smith considers playing overseas (interpretation: "NBA doesn't want Smith")
I'm wondering when something positive will be posted over here. Isn't it about time for Pearl's annual home tour where he invites the reporter to come look how nice and big his house is. I'm sure he's added on a few rooms this year. I mean with that huge raise he got for...................
Well, with that huge raise he got.
Just think just the raise amt he got is more than most make in a year. Not his salary amt but the increase alone. You have to work hard just to keep your job with that 2% annual increase and Mr. Pearl gets a huge increase for failing last season. He played UT and got more money. He should have turned it down based on the teams performance. Instead he's been bragging about it. Pearl.. you can keep him.
The good news is I didn't see where coach Kitten has put his foot in his mouth this week. Well, we are only several days into the week. He's still got plenty of time.
Just wondering what you Vol fans will do when all the SEC teams have the tenn. game circled on their calendars and run the score up on you. Wondering what you opinion of Kitten will be come Jan.
DRAGtheWATERS writes:
BYE!!!!
He cant shoot, pass, or dribble one the the most over rated players in the SEC ever. Wasn't he SEC preseason player of the year?
halloffamebowler writes:
I believe that is 4 points a game than you averaged.
halloffamebowler writes:
What was your average per game in the SEC?
ClayMolder (Inactive) writes:
if he is offered multi-year contract approaching 7 figures per year he would be a fool to pass it up. he doesnt have nba skills and pro ballers have a limited career life-span. we'd miss him but who among us would not leave school a little early to make a good buck. not many.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
tyler....you want to impress the nba scouts?
come back for your final year and lead ut to a final 8 or 4 appearance.....
also earn your degree...... you will be so happy you did.....
OKEMO HAS SPOKEN
golfballs03 writes:
I've said from the beginning that this is the best option for him if he's willing to do it.
TopTenn writes:
Joker......this is your lamest post. tigers must have you feeling down. Drink up and drown your agony.
kiffownsfla writes:
Go make your babies momma some money ts your interfering with the recruiting and good luck over seas.
Orange_Swarm1 writes:
come back
rudy123 writes:
Weren't you guys the very one's who wanted Foster to return for his senior year,
so he could improve his stock
and so he could become U.T.'s
all time leading rusher? How
did it turn out when Foster returned?
Weren't you guys the one's who want Jason ALlen to return for his senior year?
What if the injury he sustained during the Georgia game been worse on his hip?
He wouldn't have been drafted
at all.
cobbwebb writes:
biggest- you are so damn quick to judge! back off, you dont know me or anyone else on this site! i hope tyler comes back! by the way has love and dedication ever put food on your table? get out of your fantasy world and wake up! the university could give 2 cents about tyler smith the person! yes i agree a degree would be a wonderful thing, however neither you nor i know of tylers situation!
tapeworm writes:
I totally agree w/Super about Smith. Don't care about the Hansborough part. Smith is obviously a great kid who's had a tough life and needs basketball for his future. But if he comes back, it will wreak havoc on UT's team. Not only will he want to get significant playing time at the three, he will take significant development time away from other players we need for the immediate and long-term future. Pearl can't be sacrificing the program for the continued development of one guy.
tapeworm writes:
What's with the removal of Supersmo18's post? There wasn't anything in there that violated the rules.
JBVols1698 writes:
I would like Tyler Smith to stay for his senior year, but it is selfish to expect a kid who just had his father pass, and is a father himself, to turn down enough money to take care of his family.
cobbwebb writes:
obviously tylers situation isnt very good! the nba thing isnt working out, so he is considering playing overseas! something tells me he wants to make money for his son! a degree does not guarantee jack! my wife has a degree from the university, and cant find work as a teacher! i have had numerous guys(with degrees in several fields) in the last 6 months, come to me begging for jobs, unloading trucks for 8 dollars an hour! so yes a million dollars a year sounds pretty good to me! so thanks for your input "babyboy"! like i said -tyler- take the money and make a good life for your family, and thanks for all you have done for my vols!
cobbwebb writes:
the worst thing that ever happened to halls was the closing of kenny rogers roasters!
cobbwebb writes:
truce! and apologies!
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
remember the days when keith "mister" jennings along with calvin talford, greg dennis, rodney english, alvin west were the pride of the bucs and johnson city?
cc623 writes:
Go figure the man that launches a prayer 3 from the parking lot instead of driving the lane and taking the foul and the bucket(in the NCAA tournament)is not projected to be picked in the draft.Would seem to me he needs to come back and hope he progresses more in the "court sense" but,hey if he is getting offers to play overseas I say "don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you".
Bigger_Al writes:
Tyler should absolutely consider going overseas if the money is there. Expanding your life and making some green is not a bad thing to consider. Neither is coming back for your Senior year, which is a once in a lifetime chance.
cc623 writes:
look retard had TS had some court sense he would have seen that the lane opened up and of course he would have drawn the foul.Him being our best freethrow shooter wins the game at the line(or ties)instead of throwing up a prayer from Pearl's lap.Many games last season the losses came down to not knowing what to do in certain situations(not CBP since he had plans they couldn't execute).In the last few years(not last year)CBP was happy to take a game into the final minutes being close because we had players who knew what to do or were at least coachable enough to be able to depended on.I have always supported the VOLS and always will but,when it's time for a player to leave and give us some room for another scholly don't be a girl about it tell him.
jyvolsfan writes:
If Tyler leaves to go over seas,who knows what could happen?If tyler is reading this,listen to me.Staying for your senior year is the smartest idea.you have a better chance at making more $! you will be leaving alot behind!stay for your senior year!do not screw your life up by going overseas!good luck out there!YOU ROCK!!!
bhjohnso#207063 writes:
Who can criticize Tyler if he decides to go overseas? As a fan nobody wants him to come back more than I do, but if he has an opportunity to make pretty decent money it would be hard to blame him. Tyler's had a year of prep school plus three of college ball so he's four years out of high school and his clock is ticking.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I just can't understand why a guy wouldn't want to come back and play for such a loyal and positive fan base. Somebody made a comment about the negative stories posted on this site. The stories aren't even close to negativity that spews out of the comment section. Ever wonder why we get stereotyped as stupid rednecks? Just check out the comments section at GoVolsXtra.com and you will wonder no more.
Vol_Jokes writes:
I heard Pearl took a trip over to Memphis to play some golf and called in to Tenn. to see what was going on back in Knoxville. While talking he mentioned that he had ran into the univ of memphis athletic directors 3rd cousin's wifes brother and Tenn. gave him another huge raise. Is this true?
Just asking.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
You should change your name to Really_Lame_Vol_Jokes. That one was a real knee slapper, Carrot Top.
Slystone writes:
Can he take Chism with him?
whichdoctor writes:
I hope he comes back. I don't get it, though. Why not finish school? Is he afraid he'll look bad for sticking around for all four when the "best players" are "one-and-done"?
If he just needs money, then how can anyone blame him for chasing it in Europe? Won't they spoil him as a player, by focusing on shooting and passing, instead of American acrobatics?
Volumnus writes:
TYLER, TYLER, TYLER,
HOW COULD YOU THINK THAT???
You would give up a chance to play another year with Juice Box Wayne, the Solution, The Answer, Hopalong and the new 'Goinson'????? Just for Money and to care for your family???
You could give up the comraderie and the good times and the chance to be laughed out of the SEC just for the money and your family??? Where are your priorities???
Godspeed young man!!!! I can't see what could convince you to stay another year with this group. You would probably lose more ground, through no fault of your own. May God bless you!
gmoneyvol writes:
I'm glad y'all made up.
gmoneyvol writes:
You are just mad because Pearl turned you down and now you are stuck with Peter Brady. Who took your SAT for you?
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