NBA draft celebration kicks off for George Bush High School’s Tyler Smith: ‘He really did it’

MISSOURI CITY, Texas (KTRK) — A big celebration took place at the Landmark Community Center in Missouri City for Tyler Smith, the newest member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

“It’s great seeing people I haven’t seen in a long time,” Smith said. “People have come from Louisiana and all over the world to celebrate with me. It’s special.”

Tyler, his mom Nishawn, and brother Cameron shared this moment with family and friends.

“The people here have been around before Tyler was a top player,” said Nishawn Mackey, Tyler’s mom. “Even though it seems like a lot of people, this is an intimate family. We all support each other, and they love my boys.”

Tyler’s dream began at the age of three and a half when he would dribble and shoot baskets in the garage.

“This has been the dream since I was five years old,” Smith said.

In seventh grade at Hodges Bend Middle School, Tyler aspired to go pro in another sport.

“I quit football in eighth grade because I got too tall, but that was the sport I wanted to play,” Smith said. “In seventh grade, I wanted to play in the NFL because I was watching Lamar Jackson, but I got too tall.”

From that point, Tyler grew more and honed his skills during his days at Bush High School, always striving to improve.

“You can’t really be a shooter at 6’10’,” Smith said. “My all-around game had to grow to become a better, smarter player. I learned to block shots, play defense, pick and roll, and improve all aspects to be more versatile on the court.”

His hard work paid off. In the second round of Thursday’s NBA draft, the 19-year-old was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 33rd overall pick.

“I love my situation right now,” Smith said. “I get to learn from Giannis, Bobby Portis Jr., and Khris Middleton. Those are guys I look up to, and they can give me knowledge.”

Tyler is now off to Milwaukee for an introductory press conference, summer league, and training camp, supported by a strong foundation on and off the court.

“I just want to go in there, learn quickly, and compete for my spot,” Smith said.

“He’s my motivation. I want to be like him one day,” said his younger brother Cameron.

“I cried so much during this struggle. I don’t think it has hit me yet, but when he puts on his jersey or when I leave him in Milwaukee, I think it’s going to hit me,” his mom said. “I’ll be like, ‘Wow, he did it. He really did it.’