JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – East Tennessee State University junior guard Mike Smith is enjoying the new, better version of Mike Smith.
Last year’s Mike Smith?
That guy’s gone.
The Smith who struggled from the field and disappeared during offensive sets?
Gone.
The Smith who pressed too hard and put too much pressure on himself.
Also, gone.
The Smith who often looked frustrated on the court and at times appeared hesitant and unsure?
Long gone.
The best part: The new, better Smith looks much like the 2006-07 version: a 6-foot-6, first-year Buccaneer who opened eyes by averaging 11.0 points and earning Atlantic Sun all-freshman team honors.
Smith is knocking down shots. He’s playing with confidence. And he’s once again patrolling the court with an anywhere, anytime attitude.
“[Last year] was kind of my slump year,” Smith said. “Hopefully I’m out of it now.”
Three games into the 2008-09 season, it appears so.
Smith is tied with Buccaneers senior guard Courtney Pigram for team highs in average points (16.3) and rebounds (7.7) per game, and he leads ETSU (1-2) in steals (2.7).
The numbers are a significant improvement over Smith’s ’07-08 statistics (7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.84 steals).
“We’ve got a different team than we did last year, so this year I’m looking more to score,” said Smith, whose Bucs play their home opener at 7 tonight, facing Wingate (0-1) at the Memorial Center.
“It always feels good to know that your teammates have got your back and they want to bring the ball to you.”
The re-emergence of Smith as multi-talented force who is an asset on offense and an invaluable resource on defense now gives ETSU a legitimate third scoring option, along with Pigram and Bucs senior forward Kevin Tiggs.
Tiggs, meanwhile, said he always had Smith’s back.
“When I miss, he has my putbacks; I have his putbacks,” Tiggs said. “And I’ve got a guy who I can kick [out] to, and I know he’s going to deliver.”
Smith attributed his off-year last season to a combination of bad luck and bad timing.
Now, he’s back to the old Mike Smith. The Smith who fought and clawed, played with an inner fire and didn’t back down from anyone.
It’s a welcome sight for the Bucs.
“He’s looked very clear-headed, very confident,” ETSU coach Murry Bartow said. “He just looks good. He’s playing better than he’s ever played since he’s been here right now.”
btsmith@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2569
Who: Wingate Bulldogs (0-1) at East Tennessee State University Buccaneers (1-2)
What: Non-conference men’s basketball game; home-opener for the Bucs
When: 7:00 tonight
Where: Memorial Center, Johnson City, Tenn.
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