MANILA, Philippines — Former University of Tennessee star guard JaJuan Smith has been tabbed to reinforce the youthful squad of the Air21 Express in the PBA Commissioners Cup set to open Feb. 18.

The 6-foot-2 Smith, a native of Tennessee who played college ball with the Volunteers, arrived Friday morning. He recently played for the Maine Red Claws in the NBA D-League.

“We feel that he’s a good fit for us,” Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said as the 25-year-old Smith will try to lead a youth-laden team led by Noy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

Smith had a brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks before he was cut in October 2008. That same year, he signed a contract with the Slovenian League club, Union Olimpija of the Euroleague.

He also also played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez in the French League, as well as the Tulsa 66ers, another team in the D-League.

After averaging just 1.8 points as a freshman with the Volts in 2004-05, Smith increased his scoring to 9.5 points. In his final two seasons, he had double-figure in points, including 14.4 as a senior with 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Smith is the latest import to arrive as teams are preparing for the import-flavored conference which has a height limit of 6-foot-4.

Except for San Miguel Beer, which is playing Talk ’N Text in the Finals of the Philippine Cup, all other teams have their respective imports.

Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin