SMU (5-8, 0-0 AAC) vs Tulsa (4-8, 0-1 AAC)
Moody Coliseum – Dallas, Texas
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 – 2 p.m. CT
TV: ESPNU
Radio: KAAM 770 AM | Audio Streaming: SMU App (Google Play | Apple App Store)
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SMU opens American Athletic Conference play by hosting Tulsa at Moody Coliseum on New Year's Day. The Mustangs open 2023 following a run to the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic championship game via an 85-81 quarterfinal win over Iona and a 77-74 semifinal victory over Utah State. SMU fell to Hawaii, the event host, 58-57 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in the final on Christmas Day.

In Honolulu, the Mustangs shot 50.9% from the field for the three games, including 36.8% from three. Zhuric Phelps was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week. He averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, earning all-tournament honors. Zach Nutall added 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Samuell Williamson contributed 10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks.

For the season, Zhuric Phelps is averaging a team-best 19.5 points (2nd AAC, 26th NCAA) and Zach Nutall is scoring 14.2 per game (15th AAC). Phelps has been in double figures every game and has scored at least 19 points in nine straight contests. Phelps is also averaging 2.8 assists (15th AAC) and 1.7 steals (5th AAC). Three other Mustangs are adding 7.2 points or more with Efe Odigie at 8.7, Samuell Williamson at 8.4 and Stefan Todorovic at 7.2.  Todorovic is shooting 35.3% on threes. 

Efe Odigie is leading the Mustangs at 7.5 rebounds (4th AAC) and Samuell Williamson is next at 7.2 rebounds per game (7th AAC). Odigie has three double-doubles (4th AAC) and Williamson has one this season (10th AAC). Williamson is also averaging 1.5 steals (10th AAC) and 1.1 blocks per game (10th AAC).

Zach Nutall has 1,627 career points, which is 42ndamong active players in NCAA Division I for career scoring. Efe Odigie is 54th among active players with 697 rebounds. Odigie also has 1,022 career points.

AAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Zhuric Phelps was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week, the league announced Monday. Phelps averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, earning all-tournament honors. He scored 20 points in the 85-81 victory over Iona in the quarterfinal, added 19 points with eight rebounds and three steals in the 77-74 semifinal win against Utah State, and totaled 20 points in the 58-57 loss to Hawaii in the championship. This is Phelps' third career AAC Weekly Honor. He was on the AAC Weekly Honor Roll on Nov. 28 and was the conference's Freshman of the Week on Dec. 13, 2021.

KILLER Z'S: Zhuric Phelps and Zach Nutall are leading the Mustangs in scoring with Phelps at 19.5 (2nd AAC, 26th NCAA) and Nutall at 14.2 (15th AAC). Both have scored 15 or more in four of the past six games, and both have tallied 20 or more points in two of those games.

TURNING THE TIDE IN HAWAII: In the run to the championship game in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, the Mustangs shot 50.6% from the field, 36.8% on threes and 78.6% on free throws. The Mustangs knocked off Iona 85-81 in the first game, [rv/rv] Utah State 77-74 in the semifinal and fell 58-57 to the host Hawaii in the championship. SMU, which has 10 newcomers on the 2022-23 roster, had shot 40.0% overall, 29.7% on threes and 68.8% on free throws through the first eight games.

HEAD COACH ROB LANIER... came to the Hilltop from Georgia State, arriving with more than 30 years as a collegiate coach, including seven seasons as a head coach. His teams have made 12 NCAAs and earned 19 total postseason bids. Those teams also have five conference titles, three regular season championships and two tournament crowns, plus five more trips to a league tournament final.

In his three seasons at Georgia State, the Panthers went 53-30, winning the Sun Belt Tournament in 2022 and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers also made the Sun Belt Tournament final in 2021. Additionally, he led GSU to a victory over Georgia Tech, the program's first win over an ACC opponent. The Panthers also claimed the 2019-20 2K Empire Classic Riverside Regional.

In addition to being the head coach at Georgia State and Siena, he has been associate head coach or an assistant coach at Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Rutgers and his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. Lanier has played a role in signing 10 McDonald's All-Americans, and 11 players that he either signed or coached have become NBA Draft Picks.

After arriving at SMU, Lanier was named a training camp coach for the USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team. He worked with the team in Houston prior to its gold-medal run at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Mexico.

SMU BASKETBALL COACHES SHOW PRESENTED BY THE COX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: The SMU Basketball Coaches Show presented by the Cox School of Business features SMU Men's Basketball Head Coach Rob Lanier and Women's Basketball Head Coach Toyelle Wilson beginning Monday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. at Ozona Grill and Bar. Ozona Grill and Bar is located at 4615 Greenville Ave., just a short distance from the SMU campus. Fans can also catch LIVE video on the SMU Mustangs Facebook page, or listen on SMUMustangs.com and on the SMU Mobile App. Submit your questions for Coach Lanier or Coach Wilson by clicking the "Ask The Coach" button on SMUMustangs.com. SHOW DATES: Jan. 2, Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, Mar. 6

THE SCHEDULE: The non-conference slate included six teams that have been in the national polls this season. SMU played Dayton (then No. 24/25), TCU (then No. 24/25), Texas A&M (previously top-25), Arizona State (previously top 25), New Mexico (currently No. 22/rv) and Utah State (then receiving votes). SMU's NET non-conference strength of schedule was No. 82 through Dec. 27. The American Athletic Conference 18-game league schedule includes home and away against Cincinnati, ECU, [3/3] Houston, [rv/rv] Memphis, USF, Tulane, Tulsa and Wichita State. SMU will have just a single match-up with Temple at home and UCF on the road.

2023 ROCKET MORTGAGE FORT MYERS TIP-OFF: SMU, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin make up the four-team Beach Division of the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off, which will take place Nov. 20-22, 2023.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC - QUARTERFINAL (W, 85-81 vs Iona on Dec. 22): HONOLULU (AP) -- Zach Nutall scored 24 points as SMU beat Iona 85-81 on Thursday night. Nutall shot 11 for 16, including 2 for 6 from beyond the arc for the Mustangs. Zhruic Phelps shot 8 for 17, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc to add 20 points. Keon Ambrose-Hylton shot 7 of 8 from the field to finish with 16 points. Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gaels in scoring, finishing with 22 points and two steals. Nelly Junior Joseph added 20 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks for Iona. In addition, Daniss Jenkins had 18 points. Phelps scored 15 points in the second half to help lead SMU to a four-point victory.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC - SEMIFINAL (W, 77-74 vs [rv/rv] Utah State on Dec. 23): HONOLULU (AP) -- Zhuric Phelps scored 19 points and Zach Nutall hit a big 3-pointer in the final minute to send SMU to a 77-74 victory over Utah State in the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic. Phelps added eight rebounds and four assists for the Mustangs (5-7). Nutall connected from beyond the arc with 33 seconds left to give SMU a two-possession lead. Samuell Williamson had 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting with three steals for SMU. Nutall finished with 13 points and Efe Odigie scored 12. Stefan Todorovic added 10 points off the bench. Sean Bairstow and Max Shulga paced the Aggies (10-2) with 18 points apiece. Bairstow grabbed eight rebounds. Steven Ashworth scored 15. Utah State has lost two of its last three games after a 9-0 start.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC - CHAMPIONSHIP (L, 58-57 at Hawaii on Dec. 25): HONOLULU (AP) — Jovan McClanahan gave Hawaii fans in general and Rainbow Warriors fans in particular a delayed Christmas present, hitting a long, contested 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 58-57 win over SMU on Sunday night in the championship game of the Diamond Head Classic. McClanahan's shot, after he weaved up the court before launching his shot a couple steps behind the 3-point line, gave Hawaii its first tournament title in the event it hosts. After Noel Coleman's 3-pointer pulled Hawaii within 57-55 with 1:41 to play, the teams traded misses and then turnovers before SMU's Zhuric Phelps was fouled with eight seconds to go. Phelps missed the front end of a one-and-one but Samuta Avea promptly turned the ball over for Hawaii. Samuell Williamson was fouled with five seconds to play but he, too, missed the front end of the one-and-one. The Rainbow Warriors called a timeout before McClanahan worked his way up court and getting fouled after he released the shot. It was Hawaii's first lead since 18-15. SMU led 31-22 at the half and by as many as 12 in the second half. The lead was 46-36 midway through the second half. Bernardo Da Silva and Beon Riley both had 13 points to lead Hawaii (9-3). McClanahan had five points.

THE SERIES VS. TULSA (25-33): The Mustangs have won 12 of the last 15 meetings, including all three matchups last season. In 2014-15, the teams met in the regular season finale when the Mustangs clinched the American Athletic Conference Championship with a 67-62 win over the Golden Hurricane in Moody Coliseum on March 8, 2015. The teams were members of the WAC from 1996 to 2005 and then Conference USA from 2005 through 2013. The series between the two schools dates back to 1919-20.

LAST SEASON VS TULSA (W, 83-58 vs Tulsa on March 11) FORT WORTH, Texas – Behind 24 points from league player of the year Kendric Davis, SMU defeated Tulsa, 83-58, in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Championship at Dickies Arena. Davis hit six 3-pointers in the second half to lead SMU. Marcus Weathers added 18 points and Michael Weathers tied the Championship single-game record with seven blocks. Sam Griffin led the Golden Hurricane with 16 points. In the first half, the two teams were tied at 15 when SMU went on an 8-0 run to take the lead for good. Tulsa came within one at 25-24, but the Mustangs closed the half on a 15-5 run to go into the break with a 40-29 lead. (W, 75-61 vs Tulsa on Feb. 23): DALLAS (AP) -- Marcus Weathers tallied 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead SMU to a 75-61 win over Tulsa. Kendric Davis had 17 points and seven assists for SMU. Emmanuel Bandoumel added 14 points. Michael Weathers had 11 points and six rebounds. Jeriah Horne had 24 points for the Golden Hurricane. (W, 74-69 at Tulsa on Dec. 29): TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Kendric Davis had 26 points as SMU edged past Tulsa 74-69 in the AAC opener for both teams. Emmanuel Bandoumel had 13 points for SMU and Marcus Weathers scored 10 and had 12 rebounds. Sam Griffin scored 14 points for Tulsa, Anthony Pritchard 12 and Darien Jackson 11. 

UP NEXT: The Mustangs play two games on the road at [3/3] Houston on Thursday and at UCF (Jan. 8). SMU then hosts Tulane (Jan. 11) and Cincinnati (Jan. 14).

SMU ROSTER: 12 of 16 on the SMU roster have at least three years of eligibility (including this season).
Keon Ambrose-Hylton (3 - Transfer from Alabama)
Zavier Foster (4 - Transfer from Iowa State)
Jefferson Koulibaly (3 - Transfer from Washington State)
Emory Lanier (3 - Transfer from Davidson)
Darius McBride (3)
Mo Njie (3 - Transfer from Eastern Michigan)
Zhuric Phelps (3)
Jalen Smith (3)
Stefan Todorovic (3)
Trey Utter (4)
Ricardo Wright (3 - Transfer from Marist)
Jackson Young (3 - Transfer from Hawaii-Pacific)

HEAD COACH ROB LANIER ON THE MUSTANGS:

Franklin Agunanne (6-9, 240, F, Sr.)  | 2022-23: Played 9 games... totaled 6 points and 13 rebounds | "Frank has a maturity and physical presence that has really stood out. He has a very good touch and basketball IQ on offense and great effort and intensity on defense. Frank brings definite value to our team" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 23 games, 1.1 pts, 1.9 rebs, 55.0% FGs)

Keon Ambrose-Hylton (6-8, 215, F, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played every game... averaging 2.7 points (16 vs Iona) and 2.2 rebounds with 8 total blocks | Transferred from Alabama. He began the 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Keon has been a joy so far. Most young bigs want to be good at so many things that they never excel at any one thing. His motor gives him an identity as a player. He brings a relentless approach to the floor that separates him as a rebounder and defender. That along with his budding skillset and work ethic, the future is bright for Keon" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Alabama: 29 games, 1.1 pts, 0.8 rebs, 57.7% FGs)

Xavier Foster (6-11, 235, F, So.) | 2022-23: Played 5 games | Transferred from Iowa State He began the 2022-23 with four seasons to play. "Xavier has a world of talent. I'm so excited for him and about him. It's just a matter of time and experience before we begin to see his true capabilities. He's a young man with a very bright future." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Iowa State: 7 games, 4.0 pts, 1.7 rebs)

Jefferson Koulibaly (6-3, 190, G, So.) | 2022-23: Played 12 games... has 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists | Transferred from Washington State. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play.  "Jefferson brings a work ethic and competitive spirit that is essential to our program. He's a strong on-ball defender and a skilled open-court offensive threat. I love what Jefferson brings" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Washington State: 16 games, 2.6 pts, 0.9 rebs, 6-20 3FGs)

Emory Lanier (6-3, 190, G, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played 12 games... has 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists | Transferred from Davidson. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play.  "Obviously, I know Emory better than I could know anyone else that I've coached. So, here's what I know, he's a winner. He has always immersed himself into the team and put winning first. His skill, his effort and his overall character will make him an asset to our team and program on and off the court." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Davidson 2021-22: 16 games, A-10 Champions, NCAA Tournament)

Darius McBride (6-4, 200, G, Jr.) | "Darius brings undeniable strength, and athleticism to our team. He's improved as a shooter and has the ability to be extremely impactful as a defender and rebounder. He has worked very hard this off-season despite working through an injury." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: played 10 games)

Mo Njie (6-11, 245, C, So.) | 2022-23: Played 11 games... Averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds with 4 total blocks | Transferred from Eastern Michigan. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Of all of our players, Mo made the biggest improvement from the start of the summer to the end. I'm excited to see how he builds on that progress. Mo has the size, strength, athleticism and coachability to have significant impact for this team. I'm excited to see his continued growth." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Eastern Michigan: 6.6 pts, 5.3 rebs, 61.9% FGs, 4-8 3FGs)

Zach Nutall (6-4, 200, G, Sr.) | 2022-23: Started every game... averaging 14.2 points (15th AAC), 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists... averaging 1.7 threes and shooting 76.3% on FTs | "Zach is a key to our team. He's a leader by nature. I expect big things from him with regard to production through his example as a program veteran player." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 33 games with 29 starts, 6.8 pts, 3.7 rebs, 1.5 asts, 32.5% 3FGs)

Efe Odigie (6-8, 245, F, Sr.) | 2022-23: Played every game (started 12)... averaging 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds (4th AAC)... has 3 double-doubles (4th AAC) | Transferred from Troy. He began the 2022-23 with only one season to play. "I've seen up close the effect that Efe can have on winning having competed against him in the Sun Belt Conference. He is proven and his ability to score, rebound and defend along with his feel for the game make him an immediate impact player!" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Troy: 11.5 pts, 6.7 rebs, 48.4% FGs, 81.0% FTs, All-Sun Belt 1st Team, NABC All-District 2nd Team, Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year, Sun Belt All-Tournament)

Zhuric Phelps (6-5, 195, G, So.) | 2022-23: Started every game... averaging 19.5 points (2nd AAC, 26th NCAA), 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists (15th AAC), 1.7 steals (5th AAC)... shooting 43.8% overall... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N28) | "From a talent standpoint…size, skill, athleticism, and competitiveness… Zhuric is one of the more talented guards I've ever had the opportunity to coach. The challenge for any young player is to develop a level of consistency and reliability. I'm confident that he will figure it all out." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 3.8 pts, 1.9 rebs, 1.0 asts, 0.8 stls, AAC Freshman of the Week (Dec. 13))

Jalen Smith (6-4, 190, G, So.) | 2022-23: Played every game (5 starts)... 3.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists | "Jalen established himself as one of our hardest workers right away. He carries himself with a tremendous sense of humility. He's a bit of a throwback. I expect big things from Jalen due to his versatile skill set, his elite athleticism, and tremendous defensive ability." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 8 starts, 2.0 pts, 0.9 rebs, 38.9% 3FGs)

Stefan Todorovic (6-8, 205, F, So.) | 2022-23: Played every game (7 starts)... 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds... 35.3% on threes | "Stefan has an elite skill. He can shoot the basketball at an extremely high-level. Once he adapts to focus on becoming a strong defensive contributor, his impact will be felt. He has it in him for sure so I have little doubt he will show the growth." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 2.9 pts, 1.2 rebs, 43.5% 3FGs)

Trey Utter (6-0, 160, G, Fr.) | "Trey has caught on quickly. He's smart, tough and knows how to play. He has a quiet confidence about him and an overall understanding of the game that allows him to bring tremendous value to our program" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Argyle HS: 31-7, 4A Defensive Player of the Year, 8.0 pts, 5.0 asts, 40% 3FGs, 2020-21 UIL 4A State Champs)

Samuell Williamson (6-8, 200, F, Sr.) | 2022-23: Started every game... 8.4 points, 7.2 rebounds (7th AAC), 1.1 blocks (10th AAC), 1.5 steals (9th AAC) and 2.1 assists... has one double-double | Transferred from Louisville. He began 2022-23 with two seasons to play.  "This is a win-win. Sam brings so much to the table for us and I believe our program is ideal for him at this stage of his career, His work ethic, versatility and competitiveness will allow for him to make a tremendous impact." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Louisville: 5.6 pts, 3.7 rebs, 45.6% FGs)

Ricardo Wright (6-3, 185, G, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played 9 games | Transferred from Marist.  He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Ricardo is a proven scorer. He has a real knack for putting the ball in the basket. He also has the competitive spirit to match that offensive skill. Once he elevates his commitment to the defensive end, he will become a complete player we can rely on. I'm excited to see Ricardo's growth." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Marist: 13.6 pts, 4.2 rebs, 1.7 asts, 37.4% 3FGs (6th MAAC), 70.9% FTs, 1.9 3FGs/game (8th MAAC))

Jackson Young (6-2, 185, G, So.) | 2022-23: Played one game | Transferred from Hawai'i Pacific. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Jackson has been terrific. He has an obvious love for the game and really stands out as a teammate. He's competitive and understands what goes into winning. He also brings unique experience to our team in his role, and we could see that value as soon as he arrived in our program." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Hawai'i Pacific 24 games, 6.3 pts, 2.0 rebs, 0.8 asts, 38.0% 3FGs)

2022-23 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
- American Athletic Conference Player of the Week
     D26 - Zhuric Phelps (19.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.7 stls in 3 games at Diamond Head Classic)
- American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll
     N28 - Zhuric Phelps (20.0 pts, 6.0 rebs, 4.0 asts, 2.5 stls, 2.0 blks in 2 games)
- Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team
     D22-25 - Zhuric Phelps (19.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.7 stls in 3 games)

2021-22 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS (returnees):
- American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week
     D13 - Zhuric Phelps (13 pts, 2 rebs, 2 stls, 1 ast, 6-8 FG, 1-1 3FG in win vs Dayton)

STREAKS:
10+ points: Zhuric Phelps 13 (28, 12, 16, 15, 21, 19, 23, 23, 19, 19, 20, 19, 20), Zach Nutall 4 (20, 24, 13, 15)
Longest This Season: 
NOTE: Phelps has 10+ in 13 straight (longest since 18 straight by Kendric Davis 11/15/21 to 1/29/22)
NOTE: Phelps has 15+ in 11 straight (longest since 16 straight by Kendric Davis 11/15/21 to 1/20/22)
8+ rebounds: Zhuric Phelps (8)
Long: Efe Odigie 5 (11/7 - 11/22)
Dbl-Dbl: 
Long: Efe Odigie 2 (11-19 - 11/22)
5+ assists: 
Long: Zhuric Phelps (11/22), Zach Nutall (11/27), Samuell Williamson (12/3)
2+ steals: Samuell Williamson (2, 3, 3)
Long: Samuell Williamson 3 (12/10 - 12/23)
2+ blocks: 
Long: Samuell Williamson 2 (11/19 - 11/22), Zhuric Phelps (11/22 - 11/27)

AAC HONORS: SMU leads The American in All-AAC honors (19) and Players Of The Year (4)
AAC Players of the Year
4 - SMU 
2 - Cincinnati 
1 - Connecticut, Houston, Memphis, Wichita State
All-AAC Honors
19 - SMU
17 - Houston
14 - Cincinnati 
12 – Memphis

Mustangs Selected All-American Athletic Conference
Sterling Brown (2016-17 Second Team)
Kendric Davis (2019-20 Third Team, 2020-21 First Team, 2021-22 First Team)
Feron Hunt (2020-21 Third Team)
Tyson Jolly (2019-20 Third Team)
Markus Kennedy (2013-14 Second Team, 2014-15 Second Team)
Jahmal McMurray (2018-19 Second Team)
Isiaha Mike (2019-20 Third Team)
Shake Milton (2016-17 Second Team, 2017-18 Second Team)
Ben Moore (2016-17 Second Team)
Nic Moore (2013-14 First Team, 2014-15 First Team, 2015-16 First Team)
Yanick Moreira (2014-15 Second Team)
Semi Ojeleye (2016-17 First Team)
Marcus Weathers (2021-22 Second Team)

AAC CHAMPIONSHIPS: SMU has won two regular season titles and two tournament titles.
5 - Cincinnati (3 Season, 2 Tournament)
5 - Houston (3 Season, 2 Tournament)
4 - SMU (2 Season, 2 Tournament)
2 - Louisville (1 Season, 1 Tournament)
1 - Temple (Season), Tulsa (Season), Wichita State (Season), UCONN (Tournament)

SMU BASKETBALL - HONORS (Awards/Honors since 2013-14)
  •  NBA Draft Picks (Semi Ojeleye & Sterling Brown in '17, Shake Milton in '18)
  •  AAC Players of the Year (Nic Moore '15, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Kendric Davis '22)
  •  AP All-America Honorable Mention (Nic Moore '15, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17)
  •  Academic All-American (Semi Ojeleye '17)
  •  Wooden Award Watch List (Nic Moore '15, '16, Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '22)
  •  Naismith Trophy Watch List (Nic Moore '15, '16; Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '22)
  •  Karl Malone Award Watch List (Markus Kennedy '16)
  •  Bob Cousy Award Watch List (Nic Moore '16; Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '22)
  •  Lute Olson Award Watch List (Nic Moore '15; Shake Milton '18; Kendric Davis '21, '22)
  •  Jerry West Award Watch List (Shake Milton '17)
  •  Oscar Robertson Trophy Watch List (Nic Moore '16)
  •  NABC All-District (Nic Moore '14, '15, '16; Markus Kennedy '14, '15; Yanick Moreira '15; Ben Moore '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Shake Milton '17, '18, Kendric Davis '20, '21, '22; Marcus Weathers '22)
  •  USBWA All-District (Nic Moore '14, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '21, '22)
  •  NABC College All-Star (Sterling Brown '17; Ben Moore '17)
  •  All-AAC 1st Team (Nic Moore '14, '15, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Kendric Davis '21, '22)
  •  All-AAC 2nd Team (Markus Kennedy '14, '15; Yanick Moreira '15; Sterling Brown '17; Ben Moore '17; Shake Milton '17, '18; Jahmal McMurray '19; Marcus Weathers '22)
  •  All-AAC 3rd Team (Kendric Davis '20, Tyson Jolly '20, Isiaha Mike '20, Feron Hunt '21)
  •  AAC Sixth Man of the Year (Markus Kennedy '15, '16; Ben Emelogu II '17)
  •  NABC Good Works Team Nominee (Semi Ojeleye '16; Jonathan Wilfong '17)
  •  Senior CLASS Award Nominee (Nic Moore '16; Ben Emelogu II '18)

SMU2NBA / Pros Since 2014: 
- Semi Ojeleye selected 37th in 2017 (picked by Boston)
- Sterling Brown selected 46th in 2017 (picked by Philadelphia, then traded to Milwaukee)
- Shake Milton selected 54th in 2018 (picked by Dallas, then traded to Philadelphia)
- Ben Moore spent 2017-19 with Indiana and San Antonio, played the 2021-22 with Memphis Hustle
- Feron Hunt signed a two-way deal with the New York Knicks (3/18/22) 
- Jahmal McMurray was picked 21st in the 2019 G League draft by the Northern Arizona Suns (Phoenix)
- Michael Weathers was picked 8th in the 2022 G League draft by the Oklahoma City Blue (OKC)
- Played professionally: Ben Emelogu II, Feron Hunt, Markus Kennedy, Jahmal McMurray, Isiaha Mike, Ben Moore, Nic Moore, Yanick Moreira, Nick Russell, Jordan Tolbert, Marcus Weathers, Michael Weathers

SMU ATHLETICS CELEBRATES RECORD FUNDRAISING YEAR: The SMU Mustang Club broke the all-time fundraising record with $73 million in gift receipts and new commitments for the 2022 fiscal year, which ended May 31. The totals represent an increase of nearly $47 million from the previous fiscal year. It is the first fiscal year in which cash donations and commitments have eclipsed $70 million since the Mustang Club was founded in 1935. Through the generosity of Mustang donors, cash gifts rose 71% from fiscal year 2021 and totaled $36 million. The best-ever performance resulted from the contributions of 3,105 donors.

MUSTANG STUDENT-ATHLETES & NIL: SMU Basketball student-athletes benefit from Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) opportunities through SMU Athletics' conference-leading BOLD NIL program. SMU topped the AAC for NIL Deals among INFLCR partners, ranking No. 1 in Total Transactions, Total Transaction Value and Average Transaction Value. SMU student-athletes have over 270 transactions for over $609,000 with an average transaction value of over $2,200.

SMU ATHLETICS LAUNCHES NEW STUDENT-ATHLETE SUCCESS DEPARTMENT: As part of its goal of Shaping Champions and preparing students for life, SMU Athletics proudly announced the creation of a new Student-Athlete Success Department. This new department encompasses all student-development-centered efforts such as Life After Ball, SAAC and community service initiatives. Additionally, it will house NIL Education and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming. Due to a generous donation from Suzanne and Glenn Youngkin, SMU Athletics will be able to grow staffing in these critical areas in our support of our student-athletes.

BOLD - BIG OPPORTUNITIES LIVE IN DALLAS: As part of its goal of Shaping Champions and preparing students for life, SMU Athletics proudly announced the addition of its BOLD (Big Opportunities Live in Dallas) Program to its suite of studentathlete development tools, with the goal of helping student-athletes navigate and capitalize on new Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) legislation. BOLD will, among other things, provide SMU student-athletes with the means to navigate the evolving NIL landscape. The BOLD program incorporates INFLCR, a comprehensive NIL education and compliance solution, and campus resources from the Cox School of Business, the Dedman School of Law, and the Meadows School of the Arts. While the acronym BOLD emphasizes SMU's ties to the City of Dallas, the word is also important in its ties to SMU and the University's Brand Promise, which states, "For the bold, curious, and creative, SMU is the comprehensive research university whose enterprising spirit in a vibrant community empowers leaders to tackle grand challenges."

DAVID B. MILLER COURT: On Dec. 5, 2018, SMU named the Moody Coliseum court after David B. Miller, alumnus and vice-chair of the Board of Trustees. A two-time SMU graduate, Miller earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Edwin L. Cox School of Business. As an undergraduate, he was a three-year starter and letterman on the varsity basketball team and a member of the 1971-72 Southwest Conference Co-Championship team. Since 2011, Mr. Miller and his wife, Carolyn Lacy Miller, have given $20 million toward the expansion and renovation of Moody Coliseum as well as the construction of the Miller Event Center. He has served on the SMU Board of Trustees since 2008 and also serves as chairman of the Cox Executive Board. He is a recipient of Distinguished Alumni Awards from both the University and the Cox School. In 2009, Miller was honored with the Silver Anniversary Mustang Award by the SMU Lettermen's Association. He is also a recipient of the Methodist Health System Foundation's 2017 Folsom Leadership Award. Miller is a co-founder and partner of EnCap Investments L.P., a private equity firm based in Houston and Dallas. He also is the president of the David B. Miller Family Foundation, which he established in 2006. In addition to donating to academic and athletic programs at SMU, the Miller Family Foundation contributes to numerous charitable organizations. Carolyn Miller is vice president of the foundation. The Millers have been generous long-time donors to SMU. Their gifts have created the David B. Miller Endowed Professorship in Cox School of Business, the SMU-in-Taos Campus Center, the Don Jackson Center for Financial Studies in Cox and the EnCap Investments & LCM Group Alternative Asset Management Center, also in Cox, as well as numerous general university and school-specific scholarship funds. They also have provided support for the Crum Basketball Center, the men's basketball program and Circle of Champions in the Department of Athletics. Before establishing EnCap, Mr. Miller served as co-CEO of MAZE Exploration Inc., a Denver-based oil and gas company that he co-founded in 1981. Mr. Miller began his professional career with Republic National Bank of Dallas, ultimately serving as vice president and manager of the bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic Energy Finance Corporation.

COACHING FOR LITERACY (CoachingForLiteracy.org): This is the ninth straight season SMU has supported Coaching For Literacy, designating the home game against Evansville on Nov. 19 as the CFL game at Moody Coliseum for 2022-23. Jonathan Wilfong (SMU '17) and Andrew Renshaw, two then-high school seniors from Memphis, Tennessee, founded Coaching for Literacy in 2012. In partnership with Readers 2 Leaders (readers2leaders.org), proceeds raised from the event go towards funding of effective literacy programs focused on elementary and middle school students. --- The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to increase awareness about the number of people in America who are functionally or totally illiterate and the social problems associated with illiteracy. By leveraging the unique power of collegiate and professional sports, Coaching for Literacy raises money to supports effective local literacy programs and schools focused on educating elementary and middle school students.
CFL Games At Moody Coliseum
1/31/15    vs. UCF (W, 75-56)
2/19/15    vs. Temple (W, 67-58)
1/30/16     vs. Memphis (W, 80-68)
2/10/16    vs. Tulsa (L, 77-82)
12/19/16    vs. Stanford (W, 72-49)
1/28/18    vs. East Carolina (W, 86-61)
1/2/19    vs. East Carolina (W, 82-54)
12/3/19    vs. Northwestern State (W, 77-51)
2/17/21    vs. Tulane (postponed - weather)
1/12/22    vs USF (W, 77-65)
11/19/22    vs Evansville (W, 55-47)