In the summer of 2009, the promising Tyler Smith underperformed at an NBA camp.

Even still, the 6-7 forward from Tennessee was being looked at by NBA teams who felt he should stay for his senior year in college. Smith considered trying to find a contract in Europe in order to help support his family, but opted to stay with the Tennessee Volunteers.

(Discuss Tyler Smith and Turkish Basketball)

Then on New Year’s Day this year, he made the probably the biggest mistake of his 23-year old life.

January 1st of this year, Smith was arrested because he was in a car with three handguns (one with serial numbers filed down), marijuana, and an open liquor bottle. On January 08, 2010, Smith was dismissed from the Tennessee basketball team following the arrest. Though three teammates were with Smith, he was the only one kicked off the team.

Now, Smith has signed a two-month contract to play for Bornova of the Turkish Basketball League. He will join other American players Frank Elegar and former UCLA star Josh Shipp on the team.  Smith will most likely take former first round NBA draft pick Kedrick Brown’s spot after Brown went down with an injury.

Smith still has hopes to play in the NBA and a few months of solid play overseas could boost his chances. The contract allows Smith to return to the United States for the NBA draft on June 24.