Tennessee State men's basketball coach Nolan Smith has added guard Ty-Laur Johnson to the team's roster for the 2026鈥�27 season. Johnson transfers from San Diego, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals across 23 games, including 21 starts. With extensive experience spanning three seasons at Louisville, Wake Forest, and San Diego, Johnson brings skill and leadership to the Tigers as they head into their second season under Coach Smith.

By the Numbers
  • 14.6 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds per game during the 2025鈥�26 season.
  • 28 points in a single game against Washington State in 2025鈥�26.
  • 82 games played with 48 starts across his collegiate career.
State of Play
  • The Tigers are reinforcing their roster as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
  • Coach Nolan Smith is coming off a successful season labeled Coach of the Year in the OVC.
  • Johnson's experience will be pivotal in mentoring younger players on the team.
What's Next

As the season approaches, expect Johnson to integrate quickly into the team鈥檚 playstyle, potentially elevating the Tigers' overall performance. His past achievements suggest he could play a key role in critical matchups.

Bottom Line

Ty-Laur Johnson's addition could greatly enhance the Tennessee State Tigers' competitiveness, providing the team with a seasoned guard capable of making impactful plays on both ends of the court.