News reports out of Cincinnati claim Tyler Smith committed to coach Mick Cronin and the Bearcats. Smith's AAU coach, Mark Komara, said that is not the case, but did admit Cincinnati is in the mix with three other schools for Smith's services.

"Tyler hasn't committed anywhere yet," said Komara of the Southeast Elite. "The rumors aren't true. This is still going to take another week or so, and right now he's looking at Iowa, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati."

Pittsburgh, who was at one time Smith's leader, is now on even ground with the other schools.

"I don't think he has a favorite right now," said Komara. "Pittsburgh was up there until Barry Rohrssen took the Manhattan job, so that hurts them but they are still involved. Iowa had done a real job with him, but he likes all of those schools.

"Steve Alford and Craig Neal have done a great job from the start. They have recruited Tyler hard and made him one of their top priorities. It's a good opportunity for him. He's very comfortable with that staff.

Komara also commented on Cincinnati and Kentucky.

"Coach Cronin got in there late, but he's made a strong push," he said. "He's worked Tyler hard and opened up his eyes. He's made a lot of headway in a short time.

"And you can never count out Tubby Smith, especially when he does the recruiting himself which is what he has done with Tyler. Kentucky is a good school and that helps."

Smith, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound small forward who prepped at Hargrave Military Academy this year after originall signing with Tennessee, is the No. 43 ranked prospect in the Rivals150.

Always a tough defender, rebounder and scorer around the basket, Smith has made huge strides in improving his perimeter skills. Smith is adept at attacking the basket with either hand and can keep the defense honest with his ability to knock down a three-pointer. Smith, being a tireless worker on his game, should further improve his ball handling and develop a midrange pull up with another year of work.