Skylar McBee is used to being the star athlete and all-around best. However, this year he is entering a new environment where people are just as, and in some cases more, skilled.

Growing up in Rutledge, Tenn., McBee easily stood out from the rest. He always loved sports and began to play varsity basketball as a freshman in high school. He quickly flourished and surpassed the rest of the players, showing off his quickness and amazing ability to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court.

When he began his junior season at Grainger High School he was beginning to mature and take on the role as captain of his varsity team. He played AAU basketball with the Midstate Ballerz and traveled around the country to play in various tournament.

In his senior season he lead his team to a record of 26-7 and a berth in the sub-state tournament. McBee earned All-State honors after averaging 24 points, eight rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.6 steals per game. He shot 39.4 percent from 3-point range and 82.5 percent from the free-throw line and ultimately finished his high school career with 2,362 points.

During his career he caught the eyes of several collegiate programs. After graduating, McBee turned down scholarship offers from East Carolina, Marshall, Santa Clara and Winthrop to walk on at his home-state school.

"I could become a combo guard," McBee said. "(UT coaches) want me to play more off the ball, though. But with walking on, it's going to have to be earned. They're giving me a shot. They didn't say anything about (promising) playing time. But if you can come in and make open shots, you can find playing time."

Since setting foot on campus McBee has done nothing but work diligently toward accomplishing his goals. He said he will strive for the best and keep pushing forward while understanding patience is a virtue. 

McBee has already proven himself in the classroom at UT, where he is enrolled in summer classes.  He is currently enrolled in English 101 and said he was very happy to make an A+ on his first paper. He plans to major in either history or political science and eventually go to law school.