ROSTER | TICKETS | ABOUT CHATTANOOGA BASKETBALL
 
We're trying something new. The Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball program is turning the page to the 2019-20 season, and if you click the roster link above, you'll see 12 player names. The idea is to reveal the roster in a series of short feature stories on GoMocs.com introducing the squad throughout June and July.
 
Dispense with the short jokes. Just don't even try, Ashton Smith has heard them all.
 
"Every last one of them," the 5-8 freshman replied with a smile that was more a very "over it" smirk. But he quickly shifted to the moment and what was most important to him coming to Chattanooga.
 
"It's a big opportunity," he shared. "It means a lot to me and my family. Just being able to come in and know the coaches are not looking at my height, but they know who I am as a person and how I play on the floor."
 
When we say this Memphis-area freshman was over-looked, it may be a play on the subject, but that doesn't make it any less factual. He comes to Chattanooga with something to prove.
 
Smith was a late addition to the roster. He spent time at three high-level high school programs in Findley Prep and Lausanne Collegiate before finishing his prep career in one of the toughest districts in the country (15-AAA) at Memphis Southwind.
 
One of his teammates at Findley was Bol Bol, a 2019 NBA Draft pick. His roommate at Findley was Kyler Edwards who was a win away from a national title at Texas Tech last year. If you look at who he's played with and around, including AAU events with Bluff City Legends and Team Penny, maybe you can spin why he was overlooked?
 
He was available late for just one reason, his height. But that reasoning didn't resonate in Chattanooga.

"Ashton's played with a lot of high-level teams and players," the third-year coach opened. "He's used to competing on a high level and always found a way to be an integral part of those teams. He has just as much opportunity as anyone else coming in.
 
"Being a good on-the-ball defender is something he should take a lot of pride in, and where he should be very good. We have some weapons offensively; he can be someone who creates and puts us in position to score.
 
"He has a good opportunity to compete for minutes, whether that happens sooner or later, but the opportunity is there for him."
 
For his part, Smith is certainly in tune with that thought process.
 
"Playing against high-level guys every night gives me the confidence to do that here," Smith added when asked what his high-level prep experience means to his transition to his current environment. "In college, I'm going to have to play against guys who are all different heights, sizes. Just being able to defend them is the big thing for me. Being on the big stage, playing in a lot of hostile environments, I look forward to the challenge."
 
Joining a program in June can be a tall order for anyone. Just don't overlook what opportunity can mean and where it can lead.
 
ROSTER REVEAL SERIES
4 – Maurice Commander: http://bit.ly/Commander4
1 – Jonathan Scott: http://bit.ly/Scott01
0 – A.J. Caldwell: http://bit.ly/Caldwell0
15 – Ramon Vila: http://bit.ly/RVila15
32 – Matt Ryan: http://bit.ly/Ryan32 
5 – Jaden Frazer: http://bit.ly/Frazier5
3 – David Jean-Baptiste: http://bit.ly/DJ-B3
11 – Rod Johnson: http://bit.ly/rjohnson11
14 – Grant Ledford: http://bit.ly/ledford14
24 – Prosper Obidiebube: http://bit.ly/Prosper0bi24
13 – Malachi Smith: http://bit.ly/MSmith19
 
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Season tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased on GoMocs.com (at the link above) or by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627) or 425-5740. Fans can also stop by the Gate 1 ticket office at McKenzie Arena.
 
Full season tickets range from $105-190 for lower-level reserved seating. Take advantage of the July prize giveaway for season ticket renewals or new purchases. Learn more about it here.
 
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