ESPN: Nation's biggest talent upgrades
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 1:51 pmSouthern Methodist Mustangs
Key outgoing players: Nick Russell, Shawn Williams
Incoming talent: Emmanuel Mudiay (No. 5 in ESPN's 2014 recruiting rankings)
SMU coach Larry Brown told me last season he thought Russell was one of the best defenders in the American Conference ... and country. Production from both former transfers (Kansas State and Texas, respectively) will be missed in 2014-15.
But even with these key losses, the Mustangs will be better next season. When you combine one of the nation's elite recruits -- a true difference-maker -- with a roster laced with experience and a Hall of Fame coach, it's easy to see why they'll make a jump. Mudiay, a big (6-foot-5) lead guard, thrives in transition and puts pressure on any defense. When the game slows down, he can utilize his power and size to attack the hoop and either score or dish. He's also added a low-mid post game, which is incredibly valuable to post up smaller guards.
Mudiay will start in the SMU backcourt with 5-9 guard Nic Moore, who averaged 13.6 points per game and hit 43.6 percent of his long-range attempts last season. He can slide over to the point guard spot if Mudiay needs to be taken out of the game or used off-the-ball. Brown's team will fast break more than ever before and have a chance to make noise in the NCAA tournament.
Key outgoing players: Nick Russell, Shawn Williams
Incoming talent: Emmanuel Mudiay (No. 5 in ESPN's 2014 recruiting rankings)
SMU coach Larry Brown told me last season he thought Russell was one of the best defenders in the American Conference ... and country. Production from both former transfers (Kansas State and Texas, respectively) will be missed in 2014-15.
But even with these key losses, the Mustangs will be better next season. When you combine one of the nation's elite recruits -- a true difference-maker -- with a roster laced with experience and a Hall of Fame coach, it's easy to see why they'll make a jump. Mudiay, a big (6-foot-5) lead guard, thrives in transition and puts pressure on any defense. When the game slows down, he can utilize his power and size to attack the hoop and either score or dish. He's also added a low-mid post game, which is incredibly valuable to post up smaller guards.
Mudiay will start in the SMU backcourt with 5-9 guard Nic Moore, who averaged 13.6 points per game and hit 43.6 percent of his long-range attempts last season. He can slide over to the point guard spot if Mudiay needs to be taken out of the game or used off-the-ball. Brown's team will fast break more than ever before and have a chance to make noise in the NCAA tournament.
