Thomas Smallwood joined the Chattanooga Mocs this summer as the first graduate transfer in the non-waiver era. He came from UAB where he experienced a lot as an international student from France.
 
But he also entered the young squad as the noticeable elder statesman. The "youngsters" on the roster had some fun with that.
 
In an informal poll, it was a landslide victory. They'd think the affable Frenchman was older than Assistant Coach Walter Offutt.
 
"If I didn't know he was a teammate," A.J. Caldwell pondered. "Yeah, I'd think he was older."
 
You can tell his good nature projects playfulness from his teammates including freshman Kevin Easley who replied, "Definitely Tom with that big red beard."
 
He continued on a playful note recalling their first encounter.
 
"When I first met Thomas," he began. "I definitely thought he was one of the guys running the school. Serious guy, big guy, playful but really serious about his surroundings and the team."
 
Ok, ok, so we get it. He's a bit older than the average Moc. Jonathan Scott was a bit easier on Smallwood on the age question. But he had a hack, they visited the same recruiting weekend.
 
"The first time I met him was on my visit," Scott stated. "I knew he was a grad transfer so he'd be lot more mature than the rest of us."
 
So would mature be a better word than dad? Not so much as Scott turned serious on the subject.
 
"He's the mature one in the group," continued the junior college transfer. "He kind of keeps us all in line. Off the court as well as on it. He keeps us steady."
 
Easley doubled down on that thought, "It's a lot people's first year here. We're looking to him for leadership, show us the ropes...our freshmen especially.
 
"We're going to be leaning on him a lot this year."
 
That's a lot of responsibility for a first-year player himself. Smallwood noted from the beginning, during the recruiting process, that it was a mantle he'd need to take up.
 
"It's a responsibility that is important to me," he smiled confidently. "I think it's a part of the reason the coaches recruited me in the first place. They knew the team would be young, and they'd need some leadership and experience to go alongside the older guys in the program (most who'd also be in their first year).
 
"It makes me smile that it's the word that came up. I don't have a problem saying stuff no one wants to say."
 
It doesn't take long to see that in Smallwood. He's become an early go-to media-wise and is vocal on-and-off the court as a visible member of the team. Then again at 7-feet tall, he kind of stands out.
 
Dad: Father sense: an old man – used as a respectful form of address or one of the leading men (as of a city). Merriam-Webster
 
IN A WORD
David Jean-Baptiste – Engaged
 
BASKETBALL TIPOFF EVENT
The Mocs men's and women's teams are hosting a get together in McKenzie Arena on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. It's an interactive program allowing young and old a chance to meet all of their Mocs and maybe even try their hand at displaying their own hoops abilities. There are game and skill stations managed by the student-athletes covering knockout, free throws and dribbling. Artists can render their interpretations of the players along with photo and autograph areas as well. More info here.
 
TICKETS
Season tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased on GoMocs.com or by calling (423) 266-MOCS. Fans can also stop by the Gate 1 ticket office at McKenzie Arena.
 
Full season tickets range from $90-190 for lower-level reserved through upper-level general admission.
 

Seat Type	Season Ticket
*Padded Reserved	$190
100 Level Reserved	$165
200 Level Reserved	$165
200 Level Corner	$135
200 Level End Zone	$105
300 Level GA	$90

*Mocs Club Donation Required
 
UTC faculty/staff season tickets are offered at a reduced rate. Faculty/staff members should stop or call the McKenzie Arena ticket office for more information or to purchase.
 
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