Mustang EMS
Sheet 21-22: 24-9
Conference record: 13-4 (AAC)
Statistics from last year:
Score: 73.8
Defensive Rating: 67.1
Bounce margin: +0.7
Margin on turnover: -0.5
Aids: 13.8
Shooting Percentage: 44.0
3-point percentage: 35.4
Free throw percentage: 75.0
What to look for:
New team under head coach Rob Lanier
Tim Jankovich announced his retirement from the program after six seasons, and coach Rob Lanier was announced as the new head coach 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 reached the NCAA Tournament. Lanier will have his work cut out for him, as SMU has lost a lot of firepower compared to last season (four players averaging in double figures). But he has made his mark in the transfer portal for this upcoming season.
Need the guard game to step up
As mentioned, SMU lost several key players last year who started for the Mustangs. Now they will need others to step in in a big way. Senior Zach Nutall is a returning player from last year because he can stretch the floor from the outside and started 29 games last year 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 who averaged 13.6 points per game and shot 37% from three. So. Jefferson Koulibaly comes from Washington State where he struggled with injuries and played just 16 games. They will also have other young guards who could buy some playing time.
Bring size
There’s no doubt the SMU coaching staff has brought in an intriguing size that he hopes can really help solidify the program. Sophia. Mo Njie controlled the paint east of Michigan early on, averaging six points and six rebounds. Sr. Efe Odigie should also be a strong presence coming from Troy last year and with a double digit average. Players like Samuell Williamson and Keon Ambrose-Hylton have a chance to shine with a new program and were once considered great rookies as they look to get back on track with the Mustangs. And then there are a few more to watch that will only help with the depth. But the Mustangs will have a nice size on the field this coming season.