Hopkins is officially back!

Post by **PonyPride** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:15 pm

(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.

Charleston Pony · Post by **Charleston Pony** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 8:55 pm

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

Hoop Fan · Post by **Hoop Fan** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 10:32 am

glad to hear Hop got his books back in order.

Pony4Life · Post by **Pony4Life** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 10:48 am

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.

Waz · Post by **Waz** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:25 pm

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

Charleston Pony · Post by **Charleston Pony** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:16 pm

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.

ponygirl08 · Post by **ponygirl08** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 5:07 pm

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!)

PonySnob · Post by **PonySnob** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:17 pm

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

Roach · Post by **Roach** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 11:12 pm

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).

Waz · Post by **Waz** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:01 am

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.

BrianTinBigD · Post by **BrianTinBigD** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:08 am

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

ponyboy · Post by **ponyboy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:08 pm

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.

EastStang · Post by **EastStang** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:46 pm

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.

DanFreibergerForHeisman · Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:46 pm

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!