Perhaps there was some surprise when Coach Darrell Walker sent out his starting five in last year's season opener.
Not only was the University of Arkansas-Little Rock starting a true freshman point guard, but one who hadn't even signed with the Trojans until the summer after his senior year at North Little Rock High School.
Walker admitted then that he'd thrown D.J. Smith into the fire as Smith committed four fouls and turned the ball over twice in his collegiate debut against Southern Illinois.
Fast forward a full year and a well-seasoned Smith is plenty ready for another shot at the Salukis.