Tyler Smith considering playing overseas

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.’’

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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