Tiger's girl We don't know how Sam Woods will affect Tiger's game. It's clear from these first pics she's already affected his life. Get the hint? The Bears finally had enough and released Tank Johnson. Kevin Hench hopes the rest of the NFL gets the message. It's time to stop We don't pay good money to watch grown men act like 2-year-olds. That's why Randy Hill has a plan to end baseball tantrums.

About Jeff Goodman Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. He can be reached at GoodmanonFOX@aol.com. MORE BY Jeff Goodman: • Summer camps to stress skill development • Smith won't have to sit out transfer year • Goodman's mock: Tuesday updates See all articles >   MOST ROOTED FOR STORIES   Lottery results a surprise to Oden   Donovan makes no excuses for reversal   Eighth grader commits to USC   On the Mark: The Doc is out on this one   Mock draft: A third take, picks 1-30   Smith won't have to sit out transfer year   A year later, little has changed   Youth movement a scary trend   Summer camps to stress skill development   Porter was bigger than life View all headlines... • Compare 3 hot roadsters priced under $50K • Bad habits can be good for your career • Yippee-ki-yay: Bruce Willis’ 10 best performances FOX SPORTS STORE View the FOX Sports Store >

Smith won't have to sit out transfer year

Jeff Goodman FOXSports.com, Updated 3 days ago  STORY TOOLS:                         print send blog RSS LIKE THIS STORY?

Vols coach Bruce Pearl found out that Tennessee native Tyler Smith, an athletic 6-foot-7 wing who averaged 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a freshman at Iowa, will be eligible to play this season at Tennessee.

The Vols put out a statement on Friday afternoon announcing that the NCAA has approved a waiver for Smith in which he won't have to sit out the season after transferring.

The primary reason is that Smith's father, Billy, is sick with lung cancer.

"This is really good news for Tyler, his family and the Tennessee basketball program," Pearl said in the statement. "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."

Smith will have three years of eligibility remaining.

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

The Vols were 24-11 a year ago and return arguably the nation's best shooter in Chris Lofton and fellow guards JaJuan Smith and Ramar Smith. Duke Crews and Wayne Chism have a year of experience under their belt up front and Pearl will also add talented 6-foot-10 freshman Brian Williams.