Tracy Smith to Test Waters

Excerpt from the Winston-Salem Journal:

N.C. State's Tracy Smith has filed for early entry into the NBA Draft, but he might not be leaving school.

Smith, a 6-8 forward, and State's top player last season, will use the draft process mostly as a tool to evaluate his ability. He hasn't hired an agent and might not attend any of the scheduled workouts because of conflicts with his academic work.

If Smith learns that he would be a top pick in the June draft, his plans might change, and he could stay in the draft and give up his senior season of eligibility.

"I love playing basketball at N.C. State, but this would be a win-win situation for me if I am able to take advantage of it," Smith said in a prepared statement released by N.C. State yesterday.

"This would give me a great opportunity to see where I stack up against other NBA prospects."