Knoxville, TN -- (Sports Network) - Tennessee junior forward Tyler Smith announced Wednesday he has submitted paperwork to become eligible for this year's NBA Draft, but has not hired an agent, keeping the door open if he wants to return to the Volunteers for the 2009-10 season.

"Playing in the NBA has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember," Smith said. "And I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to come to Tennessee and grow as a basketball player and as a man. Two seasons with coach (Bruce) Pearl and his staff have helped me move closer to my goal of playing professional basketball at the highest level."

The draft takes place June 25. The deadline for underclassmen to remove their name from the draft and retain their collegiate eligibility is 10 days prior.

In his two seasons at Tennessee, Smith has never missed a game and has averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. As a junior this past year, Smith led the Vols in scoring (17.4 ppg), assists (3.4 apg) and free-throw percentage (.766) while starting all 34 contests.