Nov. 11, 2009

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball coach John Beilein announced today (Wednesday, Nov. 11) the signing of 6-5 forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (Miami, Fla./Palmetto Senior HS) and 6-9 forward Evan Smotrycz (Reading, Mass./New Hampton Prep [N.H.]) to National Letters of Intent.

"These are two multi-dimensional players that are very capable of playing several different positions," said Beilein. "They have good length. They are outstanding shooters. They have a good feel for the game with high basketball IQs. They have great court vision. What really impresses me is their ability to pass which will be valuable down the road."

Hardaway is beginning his senior season at Palmetto Senior High School in Miami, Fla., and is coached by Chris Brown. A two-year starter, he averaged 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals last season helping the Panthers to a 16-7 record and an appearance in the District 16 championship game. Repeating as the Palmetto's team MVP and earning All-City first team honors in 2009, Hardaway posted career bests as a junior with 36 points against Choice Academy; 16 rebounds against South Dade Senior and eight three-point field goals against Felix Varela Senior.

After transferring to Palmetto from Palmer Trinity School as a sophomore, Hardaway averaged 19.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.3 steals in his first season under Brown and helped the Panthers to a 12-11 record, losing in the District 16 semifinal game. Hardaway is the son of five-time NBA All-Star, Tim Hardaway, who played 14 season in the NBA -- Golden State Warriors (1989-96), Miami Heat (1996-2001), Dallas Mavericks (2001-02), Denver Nuggets (2002) and Indiana Pacers (2003).

"The biggest thing about Tim is he has a pretty jump shot," said Beilein. "If you look at Manny's (Harris) jump shot right now, it is perfect, and Tim's is pretty close to that point early with his development. It's got great form, great spin and has a chance to go in every time. He is a very athletic player and like I said before his vision on the court in outstanding."

Smotrycz is beginning his senior season at New Hampton Prep in New Hampton, N.H., and is coached by Peter Hutchins. Last year, he helped New Hampton Prep to a 14-16 record averaging 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He posted a season-best 26 points against Winchendon Prep and had four games with 20-plus points and 15 with 10-plus points.

Before transferring to New Hampton, Smotrycz played three years of high school basketball at Reading (Mass.) Memorial High School, under Paul Morrissey. A three-year starter, he averaged 14.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists while the team compiled a 30-35 record at Reading Memorial. He was honored as a 2008 Boston Globe All-Scholastic and earned Middlesex All-League and All-Star honors two times (2007, '08). He also was named to the GymRat Challenge Team in 2007 and 2008.

As a junior, he averaged 20.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists, helping Reading Memorial to a 15-10 record. He scored a career-best 31 points against Woburn and had four other games scoring 20-plus points. As a sophomore, he led the team in scoring (15.8) and rebounding (6. 2) and as a freshman, started 15 games averaging 6.8 points and 5.1 rebounds.

"Evan can play three different positions for us," said Beilein. "It is his versatility, great size and shooting ability which we like. Being 6-9, it is rare to see someone shoot it like he does. But what I really like is that he is an exceptional passer. His potential is outstanding."

The Wolverines will lose fifth-year senior forward Zack Gibson (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc) and senior forward DeShawn Sims (Detroit, Mich./Pershing) at the end of the 2009-10 season.

Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423