How fast is Tim Smith? That’s a question that everyone in Johnson City and surrounding areas is trying to answer.
After hearing, “We’re sold out” from numerous stores, the Sports Illustrated edition featuring a three-page article was finally found in Knoxville, Tenn.
The 5-9 junior guard, from Newport News, Va., has had a lot of recognition since ETSU claimed their second Southern Conference Championship in two years and gave the Cincinnati Bearcats a run for their money. Now Sports Illustrated is able to tell the nation just how fast he actually is.
The game of basketball has become a fast-paced game, but these days players are getting faster and improving the hustle. After playing Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA Atlanta Regional, Coach Bob Huggins was impressed at Smith’s stamina.
“He’s the fastest guy that we’ve played against since I’ve been here,” Huggins said in Sports Illustrated. “What we saw on tape didn’t do him justice.”
Smith is surprised at the recognition he gets because of his speed alone.
“It was surprising,” Smith said. “They basically just asked about my career, how it started. The main thing was the speed.”
Smith is not only known for his quickness and has numerous rewards attributed to his name. Smith is a two-time Southern Conference Tournament MVP, first-team All-Southern Conference, 2002-03 Southern Conference freshman of the year and has tied the ETSU freshman scoring record with 475 points. He has racked up 1,040 career points in his first two years at ETSU, has 21 career 20-point games, 156 steals and 16.5 points per game career average. His career high is 29 points against Chattanooga and 10 rebounds against the College of Charleston. It is safe to say that he is a driving force on the ETSU offense.
Last season Smith had to fight off an ankle injury, which coach Murry Bartow is hoping won’t happen again.
“Timmy’s game is based on his feet and his speed,” Bartow said.
Unfortunately while playing UVA-Wise, Smith had his ankle re-twisted after laying up a shot and was landed on by an opposing player. Smith sat out after playing only seven minutes and did not return for the second half.
“Coach thought it was best to sit out,” Smith said. “I have no choice but to keep playing like a warrior.”
Smith is unsure if he will be able to play against Marshall Tuesday.
“It depends on whether I can cut or not,” Smith said. “I just ice it down and see tomorrow. The team’s going to need me (against Marshall).”
ETSU is hoping for a long season, and Smith will be needed to make that happen.
Speed is a contributing factor as to whether ETSU will be able to take it all the way this year.
“When Timmy’s in there, we’re a running team,” Bartow said.
Smith has already proven that he is a force to be dealt with, now he will need to step up to lead his team to the finals.
Smith can be summed up by a quote that he learned from childhood hero Allen Iverson, “He stressed to me that basketball isn’t about size and strength,” Smith said. “It’s all about heart.”
And those who have witnessed ETSU basketball know that Tim Smith is the heart of this team.

Author