VITALS: 6-10, 200, senior, Arizona State OVERVIEW: Smith was an honorable mention All-Pac-10 Conference selection after averaging 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds as a senior at Arizona State, helping the Sun Devils to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Smith had a pair of double-doubles in the final week of the regular season to earn Pac-10 Player of the Week honors. Smith, who did not a miss a game in his career, led the Pac-10 in blocks with nearly 2.2 per game. Smith played well at the Portsmouth Invitational, earning all-tournament honors after averaging 17.7 points and 2.3 blocks. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. Smith helped himself the most with his Portsmouth Invitational performance, but his play at Chicago was solid enough for him to further state his case to the league. Atlanta (21, 37), Chicago (36, 45), Denver (46), LA Lakers (24, 32), Memphis (27), Minnesota (26, 55), New Orleans (18, 48) and Phoenix (17) have all worked out Smith privately. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Tim Thomas, Walter McCarty, Robert Horry COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Mark Sanford, Don MacLean ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve. POSITIVES: Smith is just beginning to tap into his potential. He is a late developer who grew two more inches after he came to college. Although still slim, Smith developed his shooting enough to the point where he does not have to play on the interior. Smith has tremendous potential as a mid-range scorer in the NBA, using a stutter dribble or coming off screens to open up 17-foot jump shots. Additionally, Smith is a tremendous shot-blocker and passer and gets along with his teammates. SHORTCOMINGS: Smith's game is still raw, despite the fact that he is a skill player. His jump shot is erratic and he does not understand how to get the most out of his ability. At only 215 pounds, the 6-10 Smith rebounds as if he is 6-6. In the post in the NBA, Smith will not be much of a factor. It is possible he will need some seasoning before he is ready - if ever - to contribute. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Tommy Smith is a long, athletic 6-10. He was impressive at Portsmouth and helped his draft chances significantly. He has good upside." Boston Celtics general manager Chris Wallace
