SMU vs. UH was an advertisement for college basketball

[PonyFan32]

If Nic is the brain of the team, Sterling is the heart. He never backs down from anyone. He plays best when the going gets tough. He does whatever the team needs, whenever the team needs it. Last night was no exception. He never takes a shot that isn't open, and his three was a dagger. He always plays tough, relentless defense. He can guard a 1 or 2 and he can also guard big guys, like that white post UH had last night. He plays much bigger than he is and he takes the ball hard to rim whenever he drives. While his man having foul trouble might have helped, last night's performance out of Sterling was just another example of what a fantastic all around player he's been for us since he was a freshman.

You don't hear his name as much in our pro discussions, but I can't figure out a reason why pro teams (including NBA) would not love a smart, defensive-minded wing who can hit 3s on occasion. Feels like there are numerous guys making their careers in the league with that description.

[93Mustang]

I think Sterling has a shot at the NBA. He plays big; he plays great defense; he can do everything and doesn't need the ball to be effective. I think a few of our players have a shot too, but each will have to overcome some issue of perception: Nic is an absolutely terrific player, but his height makes him an NBA long shot; Kennedy and Tolbert are great skilled college big men, but they too will fight the height issue; Shake has the height and length, but it's too soon to tell; and Ben Moore just keeps getting better and if he can develop the 20 foot jumper, he will get a shot (he's a Josh Howard at Wake Forest starter kit). Having said all of this, I believe all of these guys will play basketball professionally for a long time and some will get to "the league." The heart and fight of these guys make them my favorite SMU team ever. They play as a team, they never quit, and they act professionally.

I'd take any of them in a second and I hope they all thrive at the next level.

[Pony_Law]

If Nic is the brain of the team, Sterling is the heart. He never backs down from anyone. He plays best when the going gets tough. He does whatever the team needs, whenever the team needs it. Last night was no exception. He never takes a shot that isn't open, and his three was a dagger. He always plays tough, relentless defense. He can guard a 1 or 2 and he can also guard big guys, like that white post UH had last night. He plays much bigger than he is and he takes the ball hard to rim whenever he drives. While his man having foul trouble might have helped, last night's performance out of Sterling was just another example of what a fantastic all around player he's been for us since he was a freshman.

You don't hear his name as much in our pro discussions, but I can't figure out a reason why pro teams (including NBA) would not love a smart, defensive-minded wing who can hit 3s on occasion. Feels like there are numerous guys making their careers in the league with that description.

Sterling does have a great shot at the NBA. He has the length and athleticism and probably the shot skills as well. He also I'm sure is a great practice and locker room guy. Also helps him he has NBA pedigree in his family and LB advocating for him as well,.