TK Smith (196-G-1998, college: PVAMU, agency: Rise Sports Management) is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Memphis, Tennessee playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Itzehoe Eagles. Helping him get the job was agent Jonathan Mines. He began his basketball career at Richard King Prep school. He then attended 5 schools and played at 4 schools. He began at Lincoln Memorial, but didn´t play. : then played 2 seasons at Polk State College (JUCO) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.7% and 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.2%. he then played a season at Kent State University (NCAA) playing 2 games. He then played a season at Troy University (NCAA) playing 22 games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg. He finished at Prairie View A&M University (NCAA) playing 28 games averaging 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks TK for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German pro B team Itzehoe. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

When I hear Germany basketball I think about one of my favorite guards Dennis Schroeder. I don’t really know much about the country but I had an uncle who was deployed there while serving time in the army.

What was your first impression of head coach Timo Voelkerring? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Timo had great vibes, seems like a great person,and even as a coach I got the vibe the he’s still a student of the game with great expectations for the program

How excited are you to be showcasing your talent as a rookie in Germany? You definitely have enough experience having played at 5 schools from 2017-2023. Can you become an impact player right away?

I’m super excited about starting my career in Germany, I know it’s a great spot for overseas basketball I’ve heard great thing I can be an impact player right away as soon as I get the flow of the European game and our system the rest will speak for itselfs.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to compare myself to a NBA player I would definitely say Jimmy Butler

You’re a long and athletic guy who can score, but also fill the stat sheet. Is transition your biggest strength?

Yes transition would be one of my biggest strengths

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. You were near 40% in JUCO, but last season at 29%. What is your biggest goal with your shooting?

The biggest thing was becoming more consistent so I changed the way I counted my shots in workouts from 1,2,3 to make 3 in a row that one

What kind of a defender would you classify yourself and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’d consider myself a solid defender

On what area´s of your game are you working on most now?

Learning to become a European point guard

You began your basketball career at Lincoln Memorial and didn´t play. What memories do you have of this time? Could you take any positives out of it?

Yes I (Red-Shirted) at LMU and that was one of the best times of my life from a basketball aspect, surrounded by great minds and outstanding talent helped me so much moving on. I can’t take nothing out positive things from LMU

What memories do you have of Dorian Pinson? He died a few years ago? What did you appreciate most about him?

Dorian was a cool guy, super talented, great vibes and a leader, he was older so he gave more of a big brother when I was there, I learned a lot from him,

You then had 2 stellar seasons at Polk State College (JUCO) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.7% and 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.2%. Every JUCO guy I have interviewed have stated that JUCO was tough but an experience they never would trade in for. How was it for you?

I would give you the exact same answer, juco was one of the best things that happened to my career

Head coach Brandon Giles gave you freedom and you paid him back with great play. How key was he for your basketball development there?

I could write a book about me and coach Brandon´s relationship. Not only was he key for my playing on the court but the man that I am becoming off the court! He’s like a real Brother, always steering me in the right direction

You then were rewarded with your first NCAA gig with Kent State University (NCAA) but played only 2 games. How tough was it coming from a high with JUCO to only playing 2 games? Could you take any positives with you?

Yes I took a lot of positives from Kent State even though I dealt with a Knee injury the entire season, but my time there helped me with gaining a higher IQ of the game offensively

You then changed schools again joining Troy University (NCAA) playing 22 games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg. What growth did you make here as a player?

Troy was great as we’ll built my IQ on the defensive end tremendously

You had a stellar game with 12 points and filled the stat sheet in a 67-63 win over Georgia State. Was that one of your more memorable games at Troy?

Yeah the GA state game was definitely a great game and a time to remember

You then finished at Prairie View A&M University (NCAA) averaging 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.4%. You made another jump in your game. What was key in your basketball development there?

I had a little bit more freedom at PVAMU

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or William Douglas?

Man Will is a great talent but we never really played ones but when we did we learned a lot from each other

Who was the best player that you have ever played against in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Malik Monk

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Romeo furgerson ( Lincoln Memorial) Hegal A (PVAMU) Khalil waters (Troy) Nick Stampley (Troy) Danny Pippen (Kent) Mike Nuga (Kent) Malique Jacob (Kent)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

NBA top 5 Lou Wiliams Jamal Crawford Marshaun Brooks Kobe Bryant Lebron James

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is my grandmother because of how hard working, loyal, determined and favored by god she is.

Thanks TK for the chat.