Northwestern State University of Louisana

Recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and may be redshirted this season ... has made remarkable progress since May 21 surgery ... mobility is limited but shooting touch has been steady in preseason workouts ... will certainly play important role in team's chemistry.

1988-89: Walked on and earned a spot with his hustle, heads-up play and shooting touch ... had bad luck with injury and illness or might have been a factor last year ... worked into the starting lineup for the TCBY Classic, but then caught the flu and missed two weeks ... upon recovering Sam Houston State ... played briefly in one game, vs. Nicholls on Feb. 27, after injury ... hit 5 of 14 from 3-point range.

High School:  Four-year starter for powerful Atlanta program, helping Bulldogs to state Class C title as a senior... was twice a Class C All-State pick ... three-time All-District selection ... averaged 17 points as a junior, 20 as a senior ... won team's Academic Award all four years he graduated as class valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 gpa ... helped Atlanta to four-year mark of 149-28, including a 44-1 record in his senior year ... Bulldogs were ranked No. 1 in Classes AA-C entering the playoffs in his junior year and No. 2 in the same poll his senior year ... his father, Jerry, was an assistant coach.

Personal:  Son of Jerry and Sherrye Smith ... mother is a professional licensed psychologist ... has one younger brother, Trenton, an all-state player at Atlanta .. has been a Dean's List student in mathematics for three semesters.