INTRODUCING TJ SMITH

Introducing TJ Smith. Who...!? TJ Smith! Locally recognized as one of the best players in the Inland Empire at any level.

Often the topic of sideline debates which argue,"who's better...TJ or DC?" Darren Collison (All American PG from UCLA) or TJ Smith (The virtually unknown PG from Kentucky Wesleyan) Yes, he's that good. Both outstanding point guards start for Salvatori's No Shnacks in the Say No Classic.

When you watch a No Shnacks game a stellar performance from Collison is expected but when Smith does something you'll often hear a "damn who is he!?" someone familiar with TJ would say, "Oh thats TJ Smith...he's nice!" then you'll hear a puzzling, "Who!?" my point exactly.

Initially you'll see Collison attracting all the double and triple teams while TJ Smith is able to blow past single coverage simply because opposing teams don't know any better. As the game progresses, opposing defenses struggle to adjust to TJ Smith. He is averaging over 25 points per game so far this summer.

I've watched him in the Say No Classic for the past two years as TJ Smith blows past well known players from major D1 schools. He scores with a wide variety of moves finishing high over the rim with his 42 inch vertical and wetting up the net from NBA range. But the question still remains...who is TJ Smith?

"He is one of the top point guards to play in this league over the past 20 years" says Rod Smith, the director of the Say No Classic. "He has all the tools to make it in the NBA."

You can view Say No Classic highlights of TJ Smith on youtube.com.

The 6'2 175 lbs point guard attended Junior College at Chaffey Community College where he earned first team All California Community College and Foothill Conference co-Player of the year honors in 2006. Smith averaged 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

Smith received a full scholarship to Division II Kentucky Wesleyan College where he broke the school record this past season by dishing out 17 assist. He also had 10 points and 10 steals in the same game. He recorded three triple doubles while averaging a modest 13 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals per contest. He will be entering his senior year in 2008.

TJ Smith has made a name for himself by dominating the competition in the Inland Empire. Basketball minds in the area are very familiar with his game, but if you step one foot outside the I.E. all of a sudden...no one has ever heard of TJ Smith.

In a world where opportunity is just as important as talent (and maybe in some cases, more important), Smiths biggest obstacle is getting the necessary exposure to attract professional scouts. For that very reason, TJ Smith looks forward to playing in the Say No Classic every summer.

"I was able to prove to myself and to others that I can play well against guys headed to the NBA. It really helped my confidence knowing that I have the ability to play at the next level" says Smith.

Thats what makes the Say No Classic so special, it's "the GAME, not the NAME". You can either "GET EXPOSURE or GET EXPOSED". Over the past few summers TJ Smith has done his share of exposing and is well deserving of some much needed exposure.