PonyFans.com

nm

(You beat me to it.)

Hopkins returns to men's basketball lineup

DALLAS (SMU) - Bryan Hopkins has been certified as academically eligible for participation with the men's basketball team effective immediately. His first game is Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. when the Mustangs (4-3) host Savannah State at Moody Coliseum.

Hopkins, a senior guard, led the Mustangs in scoring (17.9), assists (3.9), and steals (2.4) last season and was second-team all-conference. His steals average led the league and was 31st in the nation. Hopkins is 16th at SMU in career scoring at 1,342 points, third in 3-point field goals made with 204, and fifth in career steals with 173.

Hopkins has missed the first seven games of the season, all played during the first semester of the academic calendar. He has been practicing with the team throughout the season.

For more information on SMU athletics or for tickets to all events, visit www.smumustangs.com or call 214-SMU-GAME.

O.K., it's time for BHop to come in and light it up as our 2 guard. I assume we will see some 3 guard sets with BHop, Roberts and Willingham all on the floor together. Will probably still see BHop at the point with Roberts at 2 and Pearson at 3 to keep Willingham fresh. This will really give Tubbs some options at the 1-2-3 positions when you factor in Killen and Epps. No excuse to not pick up the defensive instensity. I expect an increase in steals per game, despite the fact the level of competition ramps up after Savannah St. I think we are going to be surprised at how much this team missed BHop

glad to hear Hop got his books back in order.

So am I. Now I want to see him get this team's offense back in order. I'm OK with Willingham running the point, but I would assume Hop would remain the coach on the floor, the leader on the floor. Hop needs to come back firing, because our perimeter shooting has been very suspect, to say the least. Even if he doesn't shoot lights-out, hopefully his mere presence will draw defenses out a little, giving Roberts, Pearson, etc., a little more room when slashing to the rim.

Be carefull what you wish for with regards to, 'comes back firing'.

agreed. when I say we need BHop to come in and light it up, I'm not saying that I want to see him freeze out his teammates and jack up 25 shots a game, hit 30% and destroy any team chemistry that might be developing.

The simple fact is that BHop is one of the few guys we have who can create his own shots and as long as he doesn't force things, he will be a HUGE addition to this squad and is in a position to make everyone else look better. He needs that for his senior year showing to catch the attention of pro scouts...at least in my opinion.

I'm excited! I love bryan and I know I'll be in the student section come Monday night! (I wonder if anyone else will be there....if not we should get some SMU fans down in the bleachers!)

Has it been worth that wasted scholarship on the bench to have Hopkins on the team?

The team has been a lot better over the last three years than it would have been without him. Whether the same can be said about this board since you started "contributing" is much less clear (and that's being generous).

Much as I loved Dement, I can't fault him on that one. If we had six players of Brian's ability, I would glady have the bench consist of players with his brothers ability. Plus, it makes it a whole bunch easier to coach when everyone knows the pecking order. Maybe we should only recruit twins.

Maybe I should start attending games now that the team is actually on the court.

PonySnob wrote:Has it been worth that wasted scholarship on the bench to have Hopkins on the team?

Bryan, Ryan, and his crippled pet chicken.

Yes, its been worth it. And after we beat TCU next week, it will be even more worth it. I just hope that we win big enough for Ryan to get into the game.

Hopkins will make a huge difference!!!

The DMN had statistics this morning. SMU is 42-41 with Hopkins and 5-7 without him.

Therefore, now we should be on pace to finish slightly over .500 instead of slightly under .500 which is much better!

GO PONIES!