SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Tyler Smith is continuing his academic and athletic career with the USC Upstate Men's Basketball program for the 2025-25 season, announced by head coach Marty Richter. Smith comes to Upstate after a successful season with Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas recently claiming the program's first-ever NJCAA title where Smith was featured part of the NJCAA DI All-Tournament Team.
 
Smith is a two-way guard who averaged 10.1 points per game who added 15 double-digit games for the Cardinals during the 2024-24 including a season-high of 29 points. Tyler Smith also adds an eye for getting his teammates involved averaging 4.8 assists per game with a season-high of 10 assists. The versatility on the court also shows on the boards with Tyler Smith adding 3.0 rebounds a game with a season-high of 10 rebounds. Not to be outdone defensively, Smith can make opposing offenses uncomfortable with a will to collect steals averaging 1.8 steals a game.
 
"We are ecstatic to have Tyler join our basketball family!" Richter said. "His leadership and winning attitude to go along with his competitive spirit will be an enormous addition to our program."
 
Tyler Smith will bring a two-way presence that can fit Head Coach, Marty Richter's system on playing hard-nosed defense and pushing the tempo with a quick-paced offense. Smith's style of play can put the opposing defenses in a bind as a three-level scorer who does not mind sharing the ball.