The Eman era begins?

[LA_Mustang]

It's my understanding Eman starts class today, making him officially an SMU student. If so, let's welcome the greatest SMU hoopster ever. We're entering uncharted territory. Let's enjoy this - 2014-15 will be memorible.

[smusic 00]

These are exciting times, indeed. I think we are about to witness a level of play heretofore unseen. Should be a fun ride. Welcome, Eman! And Pony Up!

[mustangxc]

Slow down! Best SMU hoopster ever is a stretch. Best ever SMU hoops recruit yes, but he has a long way to go to earn the distinction of best player ever at SMU. For all I know, he may not even be the best player on the roster. Definitely the biggest upside, but probably not the best player.

[RGV Pony]

If not for the nba rule he would have skipped college and been a top 15 nba pick in this year's draft. I'd say best player

[gostangs]

I would say he is likely to be our best ever, but hasn't done squat at SMU yet.

Lets enjoy it -but I think our Achilles heel is if the coach's can figure out how to keep all this talent happy. With all that transfer talent in their first year playing at SMU - plus Keith - there was a bunch of team sacrifice going on (at least in their minds). This year it will be hard because everyone will be thinking they are running out of time. The seniors that want to keep playing need some stats. The guys that cant make another year at school and need to leave will need some stats. Eman will need some stats to get high enough in the draft order. Much tougher than last year to manage this issue.

[CoxMustangFan]

Honest question, if he avgs 14 ppg, 5 assists, and 2 to's a game, will he be the best to lace them up for SMU?

[fmced]

although it comes w/ an asterisk, I submit that Larry Johnson was the most significant signee in SMU BB history. But for FB DP and admin change, Larry would have played here for 2 yrs and set the gold standard.

[Zman89]

It's a shame the pressure the media has put on him.

[blackoutpony]

It's a shame the pressure the media has put on him.

I agree. Let the kid breathe. He hasn't played a damn game.

Remember how great we all thought Keith was going to be last year?

[giacfsp]

No kidding. We all think he'll be a really good player.
Let's let him develop into one before we carve him into Mount Rushmore, huh?

[StallionsModelT]

He'd be getting a hell of a lot more media scrutiny if he'd signed with Kentucky or the litany of other traditional powers he was considering. From what I've seen/read about him he's got a really good grasp on his situation and knows how good he can be. I can't wait to see him play.

[mustangxc]

If not for the nba rule he would have skipped college and been a top 15 nba pick in this year's draft. I'd say best player

The draft is all about potential. Shabbaz Napier was a better player last year than pretty much all of the players that were selected before him. He just doesn't have the same upside. I'll take last year's Napier over last year's Wiggins/Parker/Randle any day of the week.

[ojaipony]

Most hyped bball recruit (and second of all time to ED) to actually become an SMU student.

There? Better?

I agree that he's got to prove it on the court and there will absolutely be growing pains. The chemistry with Nic Moore will be fascinating to watch (and Martin, too). I'm REALLY excited about Tolbert if he can get eligible. He's sharp and really experienced. I think he and Markus could be special if they can bond.Imagine MK and Tolbert as one of the best scoring/passing front courts paired with Moore and Mudiay? Now, if only we had a really strong rim protector (like Yanick coming on strong)? Wow! Plus all that depth with Sterling, Keith, Martin, Cannen, and B. Moore!

[max the wonder dog]

When considering all time greats you have to break it down by era -- pre-AAU/high school ball-only and the AAU era.

The three greatest Mustangs of the pre-AAU era were, chronologically, Jim Krebs, Gene Phillips, and Ira Terrell.

Phillips averaged over 26 ppg during a three-year varsity career and his signature shot was from the corner along the baseline -- with a three-point line he easily would have averaged over 30 ppg. That's going to be a tough record to beat, but today's top players have a more complete game because they've played more and against better competition that Jim or Gene or IT did when they came to the Hilltop.

E-Man will be great, maybe the greatest of his era, but let's not weigh him down with the All Time Crown just yet.

[Pony_Law]

Honest question, if he avgs 14 ppg, 5 assists, and 2 to's a game, will he be the best to lace them up for SMU?

Depends on how far he carries them through the tournament, with a final four appearance then sure he is in that discussion. I will say this, this program has had some very good players come through it over the years, but where the program is today and what Eman will do for the program if he has star like stats and is a top 3 lottery pick would almost easily make him the most important player in SMU history if not the greatest.