According to ESPN.com, J.R. Smith has signed with SFX agent Arn Tellem meaning he is no longer eligible to play at North Carolina. Smith declared for the draft earlier this month but said he wouldn't hire an agent, which would have left the door open for him to attend UNC.

"I think I'm ready. I've ready elevated my game to a higher level," Smith told ESPN.com after working out for the Lakers, Nuggets, Jazz and Clippers on Thursday. "The (high school) All-Star games convinced me that I have what it takes to play in the NBA. I got great feedback from the NBA (draft) committee. I was told I could go anywhere (from) No. 1 to No. 16."

Link: Smith ends speculation by hiring agent