Strengths: Smith is a talented, versatile wing player with athleticismand a great skill set. At 6’7, 215 lbs Smith was a team leader at Tennessee and in his junior year he put together a great all-aroundseason where he averaged over 17 points, nearly 6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Smith also has a nice wingspan of 6’10 and has good latera lquickness that will help him compete on the defensive end in the NBA. He is not afraid to play physical and has been known as a tough competitor.

Weaknesses: Smith isn’t a particularly good shooter (career 29% from 3) and isn’t always the most consistent player. Smith saw his numbers drop at the beginning of his senior year and before he was able to reestablish himself he was dismissed from the Tennessee basketball program due to an arrest on drug and weapons charges. In an era when the NBA is looking to improve it’s image and teams are looking for high character talent, many teams may shy away from Smith who after being dismissed from Tennessee decided to play a few months overseas.

Notes: Was arrested for marijuana and gun possession during the season and kicked off the team. He then went to Turkey and finished out the season.

Bobby Giller 6/24/10

Strengths: Talented and very mature player for a sophomore … Good size for a SF at 67 215 lbs … Supreme athleticism to go along with a fearless mentality … Very strong physically, and plays very aggressive … Started all but two games as a freshman at Iowa, a significant feat since the rest of the lineup appeared to be in flux throughout the season … Led the Hawkeyes in rebounds, 4.9 rpg, and steals, 45, while coming in second on assists, 3.6 apg, and scoring, 14.9 ppg … Sees the floor well for someone who is as talented a scorer as he is … Uses his strength and athleticism to play tough defense … Decent free throw shooter at just about 73% for the season … Plays with tenacity, something his former high school nemesis, Brandan Wright, struggled to find on a consistent basis.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his three point shot. Shot a paltry 25% from behind the arc at Iowa … Will need to work on his ball handling as well, his 92 turnovers also led the Hawkeyes by a wide margin … His age is that of a junior (He’ll be 21 this year) so he has less upside than some other players in his class …

Outlook: Decided to go to Hargrave Military Academy after Buzz Peterson was fired at Tennessee. Averaged 20, 10 and 5 there then committed to Iowa for the following season. Stepped in and instantly became the Hawkeyes second best player behind Senior All Big 10 performer Adam Haluska. His senior year at Giles County H.S., his team defeated Brentwood Academy, a team led by All-American Brandan Wright, twice. Transferred from Iowa to Tennessee for the 2007 season, putting him on a team that looks to win the SEC and compete for a national title. Should be an absolute stud in Bruce Pearls high octane system. He’s been granted eligibility for this season despite transferring due to his father’s advanced lung cancer.

James Burbridge – 7/16/2007