SMU (6-8, 1-0 AAC) at [2/2] Houston (14-1, 2-0 AAC)
Fertitta Center – Houston, Texas
Thursday, January 5, 2023 – 6 p.m. CT
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SMU visits No. 2 Houston on Thursday. The Mustangs enter the matchup with three wins in the last four games, including a 92-67 victory over Tulsa to open American Athletic Conference play on New Year's Day. 

In the AAC opener, the Mustangs scored a season-high 92 points and shot 57.9% from the field. Five Mustangs scored in double figures, with Zach Nutall and Samuell Williamson each netting 17 points. Williamson was one of several Mustangs with a season high in scoring, including career highs of 11 for Jalen Smith and Emory Lanier as well as a season-best 11 points for Ricardo Wright. The Mustangs also recorded a season-high 25 assists on 33 field goals with Smith recording a career-high seven and Williamson adding six. Williamson was named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll for his 17-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist, 2-block, 1-steal performance in the matchup with Tulsa. 

In the past four games, SMU is shooting 52.4% overall, 43.8% on threes and 73.8% on free throws. The Mustangs are averaging 15.3 assists, for an assist on 51.3% of field goals, and making 7.0 threes per game. 

For the season, Zhuric Phelps is averaging a team-best 18.4 points (2nd AAC - had 3 points in 8 minutes vs Tulsa) and Zach Nutall is scoring 14.4 per game (14th AAC). Phelps was in double figures the first 13 games and has scored at least 19 points in nine of the past 10 contests. Phelps is also averaging 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals (7th AAC). Three other Mustangs are adding 7.2 points or more with Samuell Williamson at 9.0, Efe Odigie at 8.6 and Stefan Todorovic at 7.2.  Todorovic is shooting 35.3% on threes. 

Efe Odigie and Samuell Williamson are leading the Mustangs at 7.2 rebounds (T-6th AAC). Odigie has three double-doubles (5th AAC) and Williamson has one this season (10th AAC). Williamson is also averaging 1.4 steals (10th AAC) and 1.1 blocks per game (7th AAC).

Zach Nutall has 1,644 career points, which is 38th among active players in NCAA Division I for career scoring (through Jan. 2). He also has 558 career rebounds (151st) and 125 steals (133rd). Efe Odigie is 55th among active players with 701 rebounds and 37th in career double-doubles with 20. Odigie also has 1,029 career points (296th).

AAC WEEKLY HONOR ROLL: Samuell Williamson was named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll on Jan. 2. He had a season-high 17 points with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocked shots and a steal in the 92-67 AAC-opening win over Tulsa on New Year's Day.

AAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Zhuric Phelps was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week on Dec. 26. 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 was 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 18.4 (2nd AAC) and Nutall at 14.2 (14th AAC). Both have scored 15 or more in four of the past seven 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.

OPENING AAC PLAY IN STYLE: SMU defeated Tulsa 92-67 in the AAC opener at Moody Coliseum on Jan. 1. That tied for the seventh-largest home AAC victory for the Mustangs and tied for the third-highest score by the Mustangs in an AAC contest.

SMU's Largest Margin Of Victory At Moody Coliseum In An AAC Game
41 vs Memphis 3-4-17 (W, 103-62)
40 vs East Carolina, 2-1-2017 (W, 86-46)
40 vs USF, 12-31-2017 (W, 79-39)
34 vs USF, 12-31-2014 (W, 83-49)
28 vs vs East Carolina, 1-2-2019 (W, 82-54)
26 vs Connecticut, 3-3-2016 (W, 80-54)
25 vs vs East Carolina, 1-28-2018 (W, 86-61)
25 vs Tulsa 1-1-23 (W, 92-67)

Most Points By SMU In An AAC Game
103 vs Memphis, 3-4-17 (W, 103-62)
93 vs Tulsa, 3-2-2017 (W, 93-70)
92 at USF, 2-7-2016 (W, 92-58)
92 vs Tulsa 1-1-23 (W, 92-67)

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. 21/22) and Utah State (then receiving votes). SMU's NET non-conference strength of schedule was No. 67 through Jan. 1. The American Athletic Conference 18-game league schedule includes home and away against Cincinnati, ECU, [2/2] Houston, [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 FINALIST: The Mustangs made a run to the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic championship game. SMU won 85-81 over Iona in the quarterfinal on Dec. 22 and 77-74 in the semifinal over Utah State. SMU fell to Hawaii, the event host, 58-57 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in the final on Christmas Day.

LAST GAME (W, 92-67 vs Tulsa on Jan. 1): DALLAS (AP) -- Samuell Williamson had 17 points and SMU beat Tulsa 92-67 in the Mustangs' American Athletic Conference opener on Sunday. Williamson added seven rebounds and six assists for the Mustangs (6-8). Zach Nutall hit four 3-pointers and scored 17. Emory Lanier had 11 points. Sam Griffin scored 22 to lead the Golden Hurricane (4-9, 0-2). Bryant Selebangue added 21 points and nine rebounds. Anthony Pritchard finished with nine points, five assists and six steals. SMU took the lead with 1:16 left in the first half and never looked back.
NOTES VS TULSA: 
- SMU had 5 score in double figures: Emory Lanier (11 - tied career high), Zach Nutall (17), Jalen Smith (11 - career high), Samuell Williamson (17 - season high), Ricardo Wright (11 - season high)
- Season-high 92 points (was 85 vs Iona 12/22)
- SMU shot 57.9% (second highest of the season – 60.0% vs Iona 12/22)
- Season-high 14 threes made (was 10); finished 14-26
- SMU had a season-high 25 assists on 33 made FGs (season high was 20)
- SMU outscored Tulsa 34-30 in the paint (5th straight game outscoring opponents in the paint)

THE SERIES VS. HOUSTON (34-56) (32-56+): SMU and UH split last season. In the AAC, SMU was undefeated in the regular-season matchups in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17, was swept by UH in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2020-21, and the rivals split 2015-16, 2019-20 and 2021-22. The teams spent 21 years together in the Southwest Conference (1975-1996) and eight as C-USA opponents (2005-2013) before moving to The American. Houston held a 28-14 advantage in the SWC and a 12-3 margin in C-USA games. SMU leads 2-1 in NCAA Tournament play. The Ponies won NCAA Regional matchups in 1956 and 1965, but lost in 1967. The eighth-ranked Mustangs won 89-76 over 17th-ranked Houston in the 1956 NCAA Tournament. SMU eventually advanced to the 1956 Final Four. The two met in the last SWC Tournament at Reunion Arena in Dallas with SMU notching a 62-57 win over the Cougars in 1996. (+ wins in 2013-14 vacated).

LAST SEASON VS HOUSTON (W, 85-83 vs [6/7] Houston on Feb. 9): DALLAS (AP) -- Kendric Davis scored 22 points and Marcus Weathers added 20 as SMU rallied from a 15-point second half deficit to stun No. 6 Houston 85-83. Davis sank two free throws with 40.6 seconds remaining to break an 81-all tie. Michael Weathers hit the second of two free throws with 24.1 seconds left for a three-point lead. Houston had a chance to tie in the closing seconds when Kyler Edwards heaved the ball toward the basket from near midcourt with two seconds left and was fouled by Emmanuel Bandoumel. Edwards hit the first free throw but missed the second. Edwards banged his third shot off the front rim and Houston was called for a lane violation. Michael Weathers added 17 points, including 14 in the second half, for the Mustangs, who moved within a game of first-place Houston. Edwards, Taze Moore and Josh Carlton scored 17 points each for the Cougars, whose 12-game winning streak ended. The Mustangs made 12 of 23 3-pointers for 52%. (L, 75-61 at [14/15] Houston on Feb. 27): HOUSTON (AP) — Fabian White Jr. had 21 points and nine rebounds and Josh Carlton added 19 points and eight rebounds to lead No. 14 Houston to a 75-61 win over SMU. Taze Moore chipped in 11 points, and Jamal Shead finished with 10 points and 11 assists for Houston. Houston owned a 48-30 advantage in points in the paint, shot 45% and had a 49-25 advantage in rebounds in their fourth straight win. The Cougars also grabbed 21 offensive rebounds and turned them into 18 second-chance points. Kendric Davis scored 19 points, and Michael Weathers scored 10 points to lead the Mustangs. SMU shot 39% and struggled on 3-pointers, hitting four of 21. Houston used a 23-6 run to push its lead to 27-10 midway through the first half on a layup by J'Wan Roberts. The Cougars led by as many as 19 in the first half and took a 37-22 lead into halftime. SMU cut the lead to 43-35 on a 3-pointer by Emmanuel Bandoumel with 16 minutes remaining, but the Mustangs got no closer than eight when Houston responded with a 15-2 run to increase its lead to 63-42 on layup by Carlton with 6½ minutes to go. The Cougars evened the season series against the Mustangs.

THE SERIES VS UCF (14-10) (12-10 +): The Mustangs won the lone matchup in both 2020-21 and 2021-22 after the Mustangs and Knights have split the season each of the previous two seasons. SMU did not fall in the first eight matchups as AAC opponents before UCF won three straight. SMU defeated the Knights 70-59 in its only American Athletic Conference Tournament matchup, a semifinal on March 11, 2017. The series started in 2005 when the two schools were members of Conference USA. (+ wins in 2013-14 vacated)

LAST TIME VS UCF (W, 72-60 vs UCF on Jan. 2, 2022): DALLAS (AP) — Kendric Davis had 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and SMU defeated UCF 72-60. Davis made 9 of 10 from the free-throw line to help the Mustangs (11-3, 2-0) notch their eighth straight victory. Michael Weathers added 19 points, while Marcus Weathers totaled 10 points and eight rebounds. Zach Nutall scored 10. SMU totaled 27 first-half points, a season low for the team. Brandon Mahan had 17 points for the Knights (9-3, 1-1), whose five-game win streak came to an end. Cheikh Mbacke Diong had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Darius Perry scored 12.

UP NEXT: The Mustangs play at UCF Sunday before back-to-back home games against Tulane (Jan. 11) and Cincinnati (Jan. 14).

SMU IN THE POSTSEASON: Since 2014, SMU has been in the NCAA Tournament twice (2015, 2017) and the NIT three times (2014 runner-up, 2021, 2022).

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)
Xavier 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 10 games... totaled 6 points and 14 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 3.0 points (16 vs Iona) and 2.3 rebounds with 9 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 6 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 13 games... has 22 points, 12 rebounds, 5 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 13 games... has 22 points (11 vs Tulsa 1/1), 12 rebounds and 7 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.) | 2022-23: Played one game | "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 12 games... Averaging 1.4 points and 2.0 rebounds with 6 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 14.4 points (14th AAC), 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists... averaging 1.6 threes  (12th AAC) and shooting 75.0% 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 13)... averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds (6th AAC)... has 3 double-doubles (5th 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 18.4 points (2nd AAC), 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals (7th AAC)... AAC Player of the Week (D26), 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 (6 starts)... 3.9 points (11 vs Tulsa 1/1), 1.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists (7 vs Tulsa 1/1)| "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 13 games (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.) | Played one game | "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... 9.0 points, 7.2 rebounds (6th AAC), 1.1 blocks (7th AAC), 1.4 steals (10th AAC) and 2.4 assists... has one double-double... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (J2) | 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 10 games... Totaled 13 points (11 vs Tulsa 1/1), 5 rebound and 3 assists | 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 two games | 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)

IN THE POLLS: The Mustangs received votes in the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll in 2021-22. SMU has been ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25 and/or the USA Today Coaches Poll in eight of the previous nine seasons (2013-14 to 2021-22). 

DOUBLE-DOUBLES THIS SEASON
2022-23    Opponent    Stats    Season    Career
Samuell Williamson    A&M-Commerce 11/7    11 pts, 11 rebs    1st    6th
Efe Odigie    Evansville 11/19    10 pts, 11 rebs    1st    17th
Efe Odigie    Louisiana 11/22    18 pts, 11 rebs    2nd    18th
Efe Odoiie    vs [24/25] TCU 12/10    13 pts, 11 rebs    3rd    19th

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)
     J2 - Samuell Williamson (17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal vs Tulsa)
- 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: Zach Nutall 5 (20, 24, 13, 15, 17), Samuell Williamson (17), Emory Lanier (11), Jalen Smith (11), Ricardo Wright (11)
Longest This Season: Zhuric Phelps 13 (11/7 - 12/25)
NOTE: Phelps had 10+ in 13 straight (longest since 18 straight by Kendric Davis 11/15/21 to 1/29/22)
NOTE: Phelps had 15+ in 11 straight (longest since 16 straight by Kendric Davis 11/15/21 to 1/20/22)
8+ rebounds: 
Long: Efe Odigie 5 (11/7 - 11/22)
Dbl-Dbl: 
Long: Efe Odigie 2 (11-19 - 11/22)
5+ assists: Jalen Smith (7), Samuell Williamson (6)
Long: Zhuric Phelps (11/22), Zach Nutall (11/27), Samuell Williamson (12/3)
2+ steals: 
Long: Samuell Williamson 3 (12/10 - 12/23)
2+ blocks: Mo Njie (2), Samuell Williamson (2) 
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 student-athlete 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)