“First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, coach (Bruce) Pearl, the rest of the coaching staff, my teammates and especially the Tennessee fans,” Smith said at a news conference in Thompson Boling Arena. “They have made my college experience everything it is supposed to be. I have been blessed with the opportunity to play basketball for this university.
“This past year has been very special for me. The way that my teammates and the community has supported me going through this hard time this past year after losing my father meant a lot to me.
“For as long as I can remember I have wanted to play in the NBA. Since the end of the season, coach Pearl, my mother and I have sat down to talk about my future. I came to the conclusion that I want to be a Volunteer next year.”