SMU Mustangs
21-22 Record: 24-9
Conference Record: 13-4 (AAC)
Last Year's Stats:
Scoring: 73.8
Scoring Defense: 67.1
Rebounding Margin: +0.7
Turnover Margin: -0.5
Assists: 13.8
Shooting Percentage: 44.0
3-pt Percentage: 35.4
Free Throw Percentage: 75.0
What To Look Out For:
New look team under head coach Rob Lanier
Tim Jankovich announced his retirement from the program after six seasons and Coach Rob Lanier was announced he would be the new head coach back in March. He comes from Georgia State, where he spent the last three seasons, won 53 games, won the Sun Belt Tournament in 2022, and eventually made it to the NCAA Tournament. Lanier will have his work cut out for him, as SMU lost a lot of firepower from last season (four players that averaged double figures). But he did make his mark in the transfer portal for this upcoming season.
Needing the guard play to step up
As mentioned, SMU lost several key players last year that started for the Mustangs. Now, they will need others to step up in a big way. Senior Zach Nutall is one player that returns from last year, as he can stretch the floor from outside and started 29 games last year while averaging around seven points per game. Junior Ricardo Wright is one of those key transfers for SMU, as the 6'4 prospect comes from Marist that averaged 13.6ppg and shot 37 percent from three. So. Jefferson Koulibaly comes from Washington State where he battled injuries and only played in 16 games. They will also have other young guards that could earn some playing time.
Bringing in size
There is no doubt about it, the coaching staff at SMU brought in some intriguing size that they hope can really help solidify the program. Soph. Mo Njie controlled the paint at Eastern Michigan early, averaging six points and six rebounds. Sr. Efe Odigie should also be a strong presence coming from Troy last year and averaging double-figures. Players like Samuell Williamson and Keon Ambrose-Hylton get a chance to shine with a new program and were once considered big-time recruits, as they look to get back on track with the Mustangs. And then there are a few others to watch that will only help with depth. But the Mustangs will have some nice size on the court this upcoming season.
