Smith immediately eligible to play for Vols

Tennessee associate athletics director for compliance Brad Bertani was notified on Friday by the NCAA that the Administrative Review Subcommittee was granted. Smith can compete in the fall 2007 semester and will have three years left of eligibility. A Tennessee native, Smith had wanted to be closer to his father, who has cancer.

"This is really good news for Tyler, his family and the Tennessee basketball program," head coach Bruce Pearl said. "I am pleased to see the process work and I believed all along that granting the waiver was the right decision. I am looking forward to Tyler contributing to the team next year and I’m pleased that his Dad will have an opportunity to watch him play in a Tennessee uniform."

Last year, Smith averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 30 games, including 28 starts.

"I’m appreciative of the University for working with the NCAA and their support during this process," Smith said. "I’m anxious to play and contribute as a member of next year’s team."