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i think the talk about him leaving SMU is ridiculous...unless he wants to play in Europe or something.

If he leaves, can we pull his brother's 'ship? Or at least put him on an academic scholarship?

My money is on Hopkins returning to be part of a pretty solid backcourt next year. He may flourish with Dez in some double point sets (like the Mavs ran last year) or as the 2 guard. We could see some 3 guard lineups with Hop, Dez and Roberts all on the floor together. Let's hope the low post guys improve because this team could actually show some improvement as early as next year...and I didn't think that could happen losing Castro, Simpson and Isham...but quite frankly, Isham has disappeared and if we have a stong 3 point threat, the interior is going to open up for guys like Reay, Rack, Ike and Bamba. Color me an optimist, but I don't think this team suffers too much from this year's graduations. It is CRITICAL that BHop returns for his senior year, however.

Charleston Pony wrote:... and if we have a stong 3 point threat, the interior is going to open up for guys like Reay, Rack, Ike and Bamba. Color me an optimist, but I don't think this team suffers too much from this year's graduations. It is CRITICAL that BHop returns for his senior year, however.

OK you're an optomist, but not an unreasonable one. By all accounts we are getting a true 3-pt bomb threat next year in Matt Williams whcih should do wonders for opening up the low post and giving the point a solid drive and dish option.

Even I noticed the negative impact of the headline, picture, and tagline
and thought - "Here goes - another Dickerson/James knock on SMU"
however, while it wasn't strongly written - the implication is that Dement
did not improve HOP and that Tubbs thinks he is making progress.
We do have the rest of this year and next year. I believe HOP will come
back and team with Roberts, Pearson, Ofegbu, Reay, Rack, Williams,
Fall, and Dez to give us a better team next year. Roberts and Pearson
will yet be stars on this team.

For an even better analysis of Hop's problems - see XTC's comments
in the thread on Hopkins Not Maturing. I couldn't agree with him more.
His comments are very inciteful.

I will be cheering for the guys tonight - we probably will look like the
drum and fife players from Revolutionary War Pictures. (wounded)
We'll at least see how we respond in stressful circumstances - playing
on only one good arm and one good leg.

If we could just get well and continue the progress of Pearson and Roberts
and the continued great play of Castro. Wouldn't it be nice if Simpson suddently got well and developed some toughness to go with his armspan?
Although I have been smoking ponydust - what if Isham suddenly realized
the game is on and he realized his potential that we have been waiting to see. Naw that's probably too much to ask!

If any players are reading this - we love the way you guys have tried this year. You don't give up. You have been competitive in most games. We
are with you - win or lose - but keep coming - you're not done yet, and
we support you all the way - all 1,500 of us. Good luck tonight - play hard.

Don’t forget about Pearson. He is likely the only power forward or center scoring option we will have next season. His development is crucial.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Coach Tubbs goes after a JC big man for next season.....I believe we still have one scholarship open.

run this by me again how we will be improved with Reay, The Rack, Ike and Bamba inside? The inside game next year is I would think the biggest questionmark on an SMU BB team in- oh - about 10-15 years.