Hopkins

[Johnny Rock]

In response to the DMN article on Hopkins, I hope Dement redshirts him. Hopkins does not need to play at all this season, unless he is 100%. I do not want to see a year of Hopkins' eligibility wasted with him hobbling around the court for half a season.

[Pony_Fan]

Yes, if he can't go by conference time 100%, I would redshirt him

SMU's Hopkins hobbled by sore right hip
Dement says freshman won't play until he can practice 2 or 3 times

12/17/2002

By RICK ALONZO / The Dallas Morning News


UNIVERSITY PARK – SMU point guard Bryan Hopkins began this season as one of the nation's top incoming freshmen. Except for the season opener, when he had 10 assists and no turnovers in an overtime win against TCU, he hasn't been able to show why.

Hopkins missed Sunday's game at Wake Forest because of a strained right hip flexor muscle, and coach Mike Dement said the injury means Hopkins probably won't play Tuesday at Appalachian State and Saturday at home against Baylor.

More importantly, Hopkins' long-term status is in doubt. Dement said Hopkins, who is averaging 5.5 points and 4.5 assists per game in a total of 91 minutes through four games, won't play again until he has been able to practice two or three consecutive days. SMU (2-3) didn't have a game between Oral Roberts on Dec. 4 and Wake Forest.

Hopkins spent the break rehabilitating his injury. Dement said he's trying to get Hopkins as healthy as possible for the rest of the season.

"If he's not playing by the UNLV tournament (Dec. 28-29), then we might start to talk about redshirting him, although we have no plans to do that," Dement said. "We've got 25 games left. We've got to try to get him ready for those. We're not as good without him, that's obvious. We need him back as soon as possible."

Dement said it's possible Hopkins may not be completely healthy this season. When Hopkins isn't in the game, that leaves the point guard duties in the hands of redshirt sophomore Voc Atkins, who hadn't played in about two years before this season, and senior Quinton Ross, who is a true wing player not equipped with less than ideal ball-handling skills at the point guard position.

Hopkins' rehabilitation at this point includes running and shooting straight ahead, but no serious lateral movement.

[No Quarter]

Look, there are colleges where the pattern for years has been to recruit top players with everyone aware that they will play a year or two and then declare for the draft.

Can anyone say what Hopkins intent might be?

If he plans to go the distance at SMU then redshirt. If he's anxious to make some money he might want to get back on the court SAP this season after healing.

[MustangFan]

Yeah, but it sounds like that healing will take a long time. Dement has said that if he continues to play, that's an injury that could linger all season.

[Pony_Fan]

nm

[This message has been edited by Pony_Fan (edited 12-17-2002).]

[Charleston Pony]

we should all be concerned about the possibility BHop tries to come back before he's ready and injures himself more seriously...but the guy is an intense competitor and it's undoubtedly tough for him to even think about sitting out for a full year.

***moot point. listening to the broadcast, appears BHop is now in the game as is the "Rack".

[montana]

Getting beat by Appalachian State is like getting beat by
Tarleton State.
Time for Dement to go----

[Pony_Fan]

At this point, their confidence is probably really low. I would have thought to sit Hopkins would be smart based on that DMN article. What the hell - unless Hopkins talked Dement into playing?

This is going to be a long season for the Mustangs if they can't find more ways to score.

[Corso]

Why did BHop even play? Sounded like he's still stuck in second gear.
Put him on the shelf, coach D. Let the man rest and heal.