SMU (18-7, 9-3 AAC) vs Memphis (18-7, 7-5 AAC)
David B. Miller Court at
Moody Coliseum – Dallas, Texas
Sunday, February 18, 2024 – 3:00 p.m. CT
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SMU Basketball Coaches Show Presented By The SMU Cox School Of Business – Monday 7pm At Ozona Grill & Bar
Two-time AAC Player of the Year Nic Moore will be signing autographs pre-game and be honored during the game.
SMU hosts Memphis on Sunday. The Mustangs have
won five straight after an 87-79 win at Tulane on Thursday. SMU is 12-2 at home this season and has won eight straight at Moody Coliseum. This is the second meeting between the programs this season after
Memphis won 62-59 at the FedExForum on January 7.
In the win at Tulane,
Chuck Harris scored 25 points to lead five Mustangs in double figures.
Zhuric Phelps had 19 points,
Tyreek Smith 11,
Jalen Smith 10 and
Samuell Williamson 10. Phelps and Williamson both hit the 1,000-point milestone in the victory. SMU outscored Tulane 50-38 in the second half and finished with a 43-35 rebound advantage. Harris hit 5-of-6 on threes and a team-high six assists. Tyreek Smith recorded four blocks for the second straight game.
ELITE DEFENSE: In the second season under Head Coach
Rob Lanier, the Mustangs' defense is among the best in the country. SMU is holding opponents to 39.5% (1st AAC, 13th NCAA) from the field. The three-point defense is 29.2% (1st AAC, 15th NCAA). Opponents are averaging 65.2 points (3rd AAC, 29th NCAA). The Mustangs are averaging 8.6 steals (2nd AAC, 34th NCAA), 5.1 blocked shots per game (1st AAC, 21st NCAA) and have a +5.7 rebound margin (1st AAC, 34th NCAA).
MUSTANG LEADERS: The Mustangs are led in scoring by preseason All-AAC selection
Zhuric Phelps (14.6, 11th AAC) and
Chuck Harris (13.5). Phelps is also averaging 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals (4th AAC).
Chuck Harris has a team-best 3.6 assists per game (8th AAC) with a 1.80 assist-to-turnover ratio (11th AAC) followed by
B.J. Edwards at 3.3 assists (12th AAC) and a 2.56 assist-to-turnover ratio (3rd AAC).
Chuck Harris is hitting 42.6% on threes (4th AAC).
Samuell Williamson is leading in rebounding at 7.6 (6th AAC) with 10+ in six games.
Tyreek Smith is averaging 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks (3rd AAC).
Keon Ambrose-Hylton is averaging 1.0 blocks (14th AAC).
AAC WEEKLY HONOR ROLL:
Zhuric Phelps was named to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll on Monday. He averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 52.2% (12-23) in wins at Rice and at home over North Texas. This is his second AAC Weekly Honor of the season and sixth of his career.
PERFECT BALANCE: The Mustangs are 11-0 this season when at least four score in double figures, including 6-0 in AAC games. SMU has had five in double figures three times this season (at Murray State 12/22, Tulane 2/1, at Rice 2/7, at Tulane 2/15).
- Western Illinois 11/8 (4)
- vs West Virginia 11/20 (4)
- Texas A&M - Commerce 12/3 (4)
- Houston Christian 12/19 (4)
- at Murray State 12/22 (5)
- Tulsa 1/20 (4)
- Tulane 2/1 (5)
- UAB 2/4 (4)
- at Rice 2/7 (5)
- North Texas (4)
- at Tulane 1/15 (5)
SMU Season 3FG% Defense
—- .292 2023-24
1. .298 (210-705) 2021-22
2. .305 (120-394) 1987-88
3. .308 (203-660) 2011-12
4. .314 (157-500) 1992-93
5. .321 (248-773) 2013-14
.321 (282-878) 2016-17
7. .322 (197-611) 2006-07
8. .326 (268-823) 2014-15
9. .330 (187-567) 1997-98
10. .331 (224-676) 2015-16
Scoring margin
1. 14.3 (74.3-60.0) 2016-17
2. 13.9 (77.3-63.4) 2015-16
3. 13.4 (77.6-64.2) 1956-57
—- 11.5 2023-24
4. 11.0 (78.8-67.7) 1955-56
5. 10.4 (82.3-71.8) 1987-88
6. 9.4 (69.1-59.8) 2014-15
7. 8.8 (71.0-62.2) 2013-14
8. 8.4 (77.1-68.7) 1953-54
9. 8.1 (75.9-67.8) 1983-84
10. 8.0 (75.5-67.5) 1984-85
GRAND ACHIEVEMENT:
Zhuric Phelps (1,012 - 42nd at SMU) and
Samuell Williamson (1,000) both hit the 1,000-point milestone in the 87-79 win at Tulane on Feb. 15.
Chuck Harris (1303) surpassed it on Nov. 9 vs Lamar. Phelps became the 44the Mustang to score 1,000 points at SMU.
SMU Career Scoring
Rank Points Name, Years
33 1110 Sterling Brown, 2013-17
34 1096 Jan Loudermilk, 1959-62
35 1093 Eric Castro, 2001-05
36 1077 Steve Strange, 1958-61
37 1046 John Colborne, 1985-90
38 1041 Gerald Lewis, 1989-93
39 1027 Bobby Mills, 1954-57
40 1026 Kevin Lewis, 1982-86
41 1024 Ethan Chargois, 2017-21
42 1012
Zhuric Phelps
43 1005 Carlton McKinney, 1986-88
44 1003 Markus Kennedy, 2013-16
MEET THE MUSTANGS:
Keon Ambrose-Hylton (6-6, 220, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 25 games (20 starts)... averaging 7.4 points (10+ 6 times), 4.2 rebounds (career-high 11 vs Tulane 2/1) and 1.0 blocked shots (14th AAC) while shooting 65.3% (3rd AAC, on pace to break SMU season record which is 63.7%) ... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, shot 56.3% from the field (9-16) while averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds. 2022-23: Played all 32 games... averaged 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.7 blocked shots... Hit 65.7% on FGs.
Denver Anglin (6-1, 185, G, So.) | 2023-24: Redshirting this season following a stress reaction in his left foot... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and an assist per outing. 2022-23 at Georgetown: Played in 18 games.
B.J. Edwards (6-3, 185, G, So.) | 2023-24: Played all 25 games (24 starts)... averaging 4.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists (12th AAC) and 1.2 steals with a 2.56 assist-to-turnover ratio (3rd AAC)...Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, he averaged a team-best 6.0 assists with 5.3 points and 6.0 rebounds and a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. 2022-23 at Tennessee: Played 14 games for a team that made the NCAA Sweet 16.
Xavier Foster (7-0, 225, F, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played 4 games... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, had a team-high four blocked shots in the three games while adding 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per matchup. 2022-23: Played 10 games... had 4 points and 4 rebounds.
Chuck Harris (6-4, 190, G, Sr.): 2023-24: Started all 25 games... averaging 13.5 points (20+ 3 times), 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists (8th AAC) and 1.0 steals while shooting 42.6% on threes (4th AAC) and 86.5% on FTs... Has a 1.80 assist-to-turnover ratio (11th AAC)...Has 1 double-double (18 points, 10 assists) vs Tulsa 1/20... Scored 1,000th career point in the win vs Lamar 11/9... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (D18) | Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 assists while hitting 5-of-6 on free throws. 2022-23 at Butler: played in 29 of 32 games (missed 3 due to injury) with 24 starts…Averaged 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals while hitting 34.0% on 3FGs...Team-high 85.3% on FTs (7th Big East)… Led team in scoring six times while scoring in double figures 16 times...Three 20-point games… Eight games with 5+ rebounds and four games with 3+ steals.
Ja'Heim Hudson (6-7, 220, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played 23 games...Averaging 4.3 points (season-high 14 in win vs North Texas 2/11) and 3.2 rebounds... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and a steal… Recorded his tour-best 12 boards in the final contest at Barcelona. 2022-23 at Georgia State: Averaged team-best 6.9 rebounds (12th Sun Belt) with 10.1 points… Led the team with 22 blocked shots and was third with 27 steals ... Had three double-doubles ... Scored in double figures 13 times and grabbed double-figure rebounds in five games.
Emory Lanier (6-4, 190, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 25 games... Averaging 3.7 points and shooting 39.6% on 3FGs (21-53)... has 21 3FGs this season (5 in 2022-23, 3 total in 2 seasons at Davidson 2020-22)... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, he totaled eight points, five assists and two steals. 2022-23: Played in 27 games... totaled 46 points, 22 rebounds, 13 assists and 8 steals... AWARDS: NABC Honors Court... AAC All-Academic Team.
Mo Njie (6-11, 250, C, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played 10 games... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 3.0 rebounds and a blocked shot… Had a tour-best seven rebounds in the win in Valencia. 2022-23: Played in 25 games...had 42 points, 39 rebounds and 9 blocked shots.
Zhuric Phelps (6-5, 195, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 14.6 points (11th AAC), 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals (4th AAC) with 11 total blocks and hitting 76.8% on FTs (16th AAC, 86-112)... Reached 1,000 career points during he win at Tulane 2/15... Recorded 100th career steal in the win vs Western Illinois 11/8...AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N27, F12), Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team, Preseason All-AAC Second Team. | Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 15.7 points, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals in just 18.0 minutes. | 2023 NBA DRAFT: On April 12,
Zhuric Phelps announced he would enter the NBA Draft and maintain his collegiate eligibility. On May 24, he announced he would withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to SMU for his junior season. | 2022-23: Started all 30 games he played... Averaged 17.5 points (6th AAC), 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, (11th AAC) 2.3 steals (1st AAC, 16th NCAA)... Scored 19+ in 17 games... Had 5+ assists 8 times, including 7 of last 13 games... Had 17 games with multiple steals... AWARDS: AAC Player of the Week (D26)...AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N28, F13, F20)... Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team (D22-25)... SMU SEASON RECORDS: 524 points (23rd), 2.3 steals (T-4th), 68 steals (4th).
Jalen Smith (6-2, 195, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played all 25 games... averaging 6.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while hitting 37.1% on threes (33-89)...Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 8.3 points and 2.3 assists without committing a turnover… Hit 64.7% on field goals (11-17) and 2-5 on threes. 2022-23: Played all 32 games with 23 starts...averaged 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio... Scored 10+ five times.
Tyreek Smith (6-8, 225, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 25 games (5 starts)...Averaging 8.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks (3rd AAC) while shooting 61.6% on FGs (6th AAC)...Has 2 double-doubles... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged a team-best 8.0 rebounds with 6.7 points and a block per game… Had 9 points and a team-high 12 rebounds in the opening win at Madrid. 2022-23 at Oklahoma State: Played all 36 games with 9 starts as team made the NIT Quarterfinals… Averaged 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocked shots while shooting 59.7% from the field… Had seven games scoring 10+ and four games with 10+ rebounds (all in the last 5 games)… Had 2 double-doubles… Had multiple blocks 6 times.
Trey Utter (6-0, 160, G, So.) | 2023-24: Played in 6 games... Summer 2023 in Spain: Played in the last two games, scoring two points in his first appearance in the victory in Valencia. 2022-23: Played in 2 games...Made his SMU debut in the AAC-opening win vs Tulsa 1/1... AWARDS: AAC All-Academic Team.
Samuell Williamson (6-8, 205, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Started all 25 games... Averaging 9.0 points, 7.6 rebounds (6th AAC), 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals... 4 double-doubles (9th AAC)... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (D26)... Reached 1,000 career points during the win at Tulane 2/15... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged team-best 16.0 points with 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists while shooting 62.5% (20-32)… Game-high 26 points (12-17 FGs) with 7 rebounds in the win in Valencia. 2022-23: Played all 32 games with 30 starts... Averaged 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds (6th AAC), 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals (11th AAC), 0.8 blocked shots.... Had 6 double-doubles (6th AAC)... Scored 10+ in 16 games... Had 7+ rebounds 17 times... 15 games with multiple steals... AWARDS: AAC Weekly Honor Roll (J2), AAC All-Academic Team.
Ricardo Wright (6-3, 185, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played in 24 games... Averaging 5.9 points (10+ in 6 games) and shooting 36.5% on threes (31-85)... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. 2022-23: Played in 27 games... averaged 3.1 points and 0.8 rebounds with 9 assists and 6 steals... Shot 34.6% on 3FGs... Had 4 games with 10+ points.
Jackson Young (6-2, 185, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played in 6 games... SCHOLARSHIP: During a team meeting on Jan. 6, Head Coach
Rob Lanier announced that
Jackson Young was awarded a scholarship... Summer 2023 in Spain: Played in the last two games, hitting a pair of threes in finale in Barcelona and totaling two assists. 2022-23: Played in 5 games.
LAST GAME (W, 87-79 at Tulane on Feb. 15): NEW ORLEANS (AP) --
Chuck Harris scored 16 of his 25 points in the second half to help SMU defeat Tulane 87-79 on Thursday night. Harris also added six assists for the Mustangs (18-7, 9-3 American Athletic Conference).
Zhuric Phelps scored 19 points while shooting 7 for 14 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line.
Tyreek Smith shot 5 of 9 from the field to finish with 11 points, while adding seven rebounds and four blocks. The Green Wave (13-11, 4-8) were led in scoring by Kevin Cross, who finished with 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Jaylen Forbes added 18 points and six rebounds for Tulane. In addition, Sion James had 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Harris scored nine points in the first half and SMU went into the break trailing 41-37.
SECOND HALF
- SMU outscored Tulane 50-38 in the second half
- Included a 9-0 for a 46-42 lead with 16:50 left and a 10-2 run to go up 69-57 with 7:53 to go
POSTGAME NOTES
- SMU has won 5 straight and is 12-3 in past 15 games
- SMU has won 8 straight at Moody Coliseum and is 12-2 at home this season
- Rebounds: SMU 43, Tulane 35
- Offensive Rebounds: SMU 16, Tulane 10
- Assists: SMU 19, Tulane 12
MILESTONES
-
Zhuric Phelps and
Samuell Williamson both reached 1,000 career points
-
Zhuric Phelps 19 points, has 1,012 for career (44th Mustang to 1,000 - right baseline floater at 3:12 1st half)
-
Samuell Williamson had 10 points, has 1,000 for career (front end of 1-and-1 with 1:09 left)
UP NEXT: The Mustangs have a two-game road swing at [24/rv] Florida Atlantic on Thursday and South Florida on Feb. 25. The next home game is against UTSA on March 2.
THE SERIES VS MEMPHIS (15-19 on Court) (+14-19 Official): SMU is 12-7 against Memphis in AAC regular-season games, including a 7-2 home record in those matchups. The Tigers won the only AAC Tournament meeting in the 2022 semifinal. The Mustangs won six straight with sweeps in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17.
The Mustangs clinched the 2016-17 AAC title with a 103-62 rout in the regular-season finale on Senior Day. SMU was 2-10 in the series in Conference USA.
LAST TIME VS MEMPHIS (L, 62-59 at [15/15] Memphis on Jan. 7): MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Jahvon Quinerly connected on a 3-pointer with three seconds left, part of his 11 points in the game, to complete a comeback for No. 15 Memphis as the Tigers defeated SMU 62-59 on Sunday. David Jones led the Tigers with 17 points and Jaykwon Walton added 10 as Memphis (13-2, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) won its eighth straight.
Tyreek Smith led SMU (10-5, 1-1) with 12 points and seven rebounds as the Mustangs saw their four-game winning streak end. Memphis used a 17-5 run opening the second half to pull even. The Tigers eventually built a six-point lead. Tied with two minutes remaining, both teams had blocks down the stretch, including Nick Jourdain of Memphis blocking Smith at the rim leading to a jump ball with 12 seconds remaining. The SMU defense forced the Tigers into turnovers and kept Memphis' shooting under 40% for much of the first half. While the Mustangs weren't putting up a lot of points, they were crashing the boards outrebounding Memphis 25-9. All of that translated into a 15-point lead for SMU, which carried a 36-24 advantage into the break.
POSTGAME GAME NOTES
- SMU held Memphis without a point from 3:53 left until the game-winning three with 3.2 second left
- Rebounds: SMU 43, Memphis 35
- Offensive Rebounds: SMU 19 (season high), Memphis 7
- Points in the Paint: SMU 38, Memphis 26
-
Tyreek Smith with a team-high 12 points (first time leading the team, 5th game in double figures)
- SMU held Memphis to 62 points (Memphis entered the game averaging 79.2 points)
- SMU outscored Memphis 38-26 in the paint
SERIES HISTORY VS FLORIDA ATLANTIC (2-0): The programs have met just twice. SMU swept a home-and-home in 1997-98 (W, 62-54 at FAU) and 1998-99 (W, 91-61 at SMU).
LAST TIME VS FLORIDA ATLANTIC (W, 91-61 at SMU on Nov. 29, 1998): DALLAS – DeWayne Floyd had 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead SMU to a 91-61 victory over Florida Atlantic at Moody Coliseum. Eighty-nine of SMU's 91 points tonight came from freshmen and sophomores with Chad Elsey's 18 points leading the way. The +28 rebound margin for SMU was the highest for the team under Mike Dement. This was the 17th consecutive non-conference home win for the Mustangs.
EARNING A SCHOLARSHIP: During a team meeting in Memphis on January 6, Head Coach
Rob Lanier announced that
Jackson Young was being awarded a scholarship. Young came to SMU as a walk-on before the 2022-23 season.
Jackson Young was featured on NBC's Today Show in the Morning Boost segment on Jan. 13.
NET IMPROVEMENT: SMU is No. 40 in the NCAA NET (Through Feb. 11). That is 169 spots better than the end of 2022-23 (No. 209). That is the 8th-largest improvement from the end of 2022-23 through Feb. 11.
+/- Team Conference NET Final 2022-23 NET
281 McNeese Southland 59 340
188 California Pac-12 127 315
185 South Carolina SEC 50 235
177 Evansville MVC 175 352
177 Green Bay Horizon 184 361
171 High Point Big South 119 290
171 UC San Diego Big West 111 282
169 SMU AAC 40 209
166 Loyola Chicago Atlantic 10 103 269
156 Columbia Ivy League 183 339
LEAVE NO DOUBT: SMU's first 14 wins were by double digits. The past 4 wins are 80-76 vs Tulane on Feb. 1, 72-69 vs UAB on Feb. 4, 71-68 vs North Texas on Feb. 11 and 87-79 at Tulane on Feb. 15.
SMU Season Scoring Margin
1 14.3 2016-17
2 13.9 2015-16
3 13.4 1956-57
—- 11.5 2023-24
4 11.0 1955-56
5 10.4 1987-88
6 9.4 2014-15
7 8.8 2013-14
8 8.4 1953-54
9 8.1 1983-84
10 8.0 1984-85
SO CLOSE: Five of SMU's seven losses this season are by five points or less. The Mustangs lost 77-72 at Wichita State on Jan. 28, 68-66 at North Texas on Jan. 25, 62-59 at [15/15] Memphis on Jan. 7, 76-74 at Arizona State on Dec. 6 and 65-63 to Dayton on Nov. 29.
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY: This season marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the renovated Moody Coliseum. The remodeled facility made its basketball debut on Jan. 4, 2014 with a matchup against then-No. 17/15 UCONN, giving the Huskies a 74-65 loss. Since the renovation, SMU was been ranked or receiving votes in eight of those seasons getting as high as No. 8, won two AAC championships and made five postseasons (2 NCAA, 3 NIT).
ROCKET MORTGAGE FORT MYERS TIP-OFF: SMU defeated West Virginia 70-58 in the semifinal before falling 69-61 to Wisconsin in the championship game.
Zhuric Phelps was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals. In the semifinal, SMU outscored West Virginia 45-22 in the second half en route to the win. In the final against Wisconsin, the Mustangs led by as many as 11 and the game was tied at 57-57 with 2:48 left.
SOLD OUT: The SMU game versus [13/15] Texas A&M on Nov. 14 was played in front of a sellout crowd of 6,852 at Moody Coliseum. It was the first sellout since Feb. 24, 2018 against [13/12] Wichita State. The SMU home attendance this season is up to 4,965 from 3,916 last season.
SHARING THE BALL: SMU is averaging 16.2 assists (1st AAC, 34th NCAA) against just 11.4 turnovers. That gives the Mustangs a 1.42 assist-to-turnover ratio (1st AAC, 51st NCAA). B.J Edwards has a 2.56 assist-to-turnover ratio this season (3rd AAC) and
Chuck Harris has a 1.80 assist-to-turnover ratio (11th AAC).
SMU Season Best Assist-to-Turnover Ratio
1. 1.74 1986-87
2. 1.71 1987-88
3. 1.50 2016-17
4. 1.42 2015-16
—- 1.42 2023-24
5. 1.37 1985-86
SMU Season Fewest Turnovers Per Game
1. 10.8 2016-17
2. 11.0 2018-19
—- 11.4 2023-24
3. 11.6 1996-97
11.6 2017-18
5. 12.0 1998-99
6. 12.3 1985-86
12.3 2021-22
8. 12.4 2015-16
9. 12.5 2014-15
SMU Season Ast/TO Ratio
1 3.64 Butch Moore, 1985-86
2 3.17 Kendric Davis, 2020-21
3 2.92 Scott Johnson, 1986-87
4 2.70 Jimmy Whitt, 2018-19
5 2.70 Kendric Davis, 2019-20
6 2.56 Shake Milton, 2016-17
--- 2.56
B.J. Edwards, 2023-24
7 2.49 Todd Alexander, 1987-88
CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARDS: SMU is averaging 39.8 rebounds (2nd AAC, 27th NCAA) and 13.8 offensive rebounds (1st AAC, 12th NCAA) with a +5.7 margin (1st AAC, 34th NCAA). SMU has been +10 or better 9 times this season.
Samuell Williamson leads the team at 7.6 (6th AAC) followed by
Tyreek Smith at 5.7.
Tyreek Smith is grabbing 2.3 offensive rebounds (10th AAC) followed by
Keon Ambrose-Hylton at 2.0 (16th AAC). 5X5: Four times this season, SMU has had at least 5 Mustangs record 5+ rebounds (Western Illinois 11/8, at Arizona State 12/6, at Florida State 12/16, Charlotte 1/2)
SMU Season Rebound Margin
1. 10.2 (39.4-29.3) 2015-16
2. 8.7 (38.1-29.5) 2016-17
3. 8.4 (37.2-28.8) 1988-89
4. 6.7 (36.6-29.9) 2014-15
5. 5.7 (48.5-42.8) 1959-60
—- 5.7 2023-24
6. 5.0 (46.5-41.5) 1958-59
7. 4.8 (36.0-31.3) 2013-14
8. 4.6 (38.1-33.5) 1984-85
9. 4.3 (43.3-39.0) 1999-00
BLOCK PARTY: The Mustangs had 12 blocked shots in the win over Houston Christian. That ties for fourth in program history. Seven Mustangs had a block.
Keon Ambrose-Hylton and
Tyreek Smith each had three. SMU is averaging 5.1 blocks for the season (1st AAC, 21st NCAA).
Tyreek Smith leads the team with 1.8 blocks per game (3rd AAC) followed by
Keon Ambrose-Hylton at 1.0 (14th AAC).
SMU Single-Game Blocks
- 13 San Jose St., 2-6-2003
- 13 Hardin-Simmons, 1-6-1999
- 13 Midwestern State, 12-29-2014 (W, 70-61)
- 12 Houston, 2-12-1979
- 12 UT-Tyler, 11-19-2004 (W 76-61)
- 12 Houston Christian, 12-19-2023 (W, 89-53)
SMU Season Blocked shots average
—- 5.1 2023-24
1. 5.0 2002-03
2. 4.8 2005-06
3. 4.6 1978-79
4.6 2015-16
5. 4.5 1984-85
4.5 2013-14
4.5 2020-21
SMU Season Blocks
1 97 Jon Koncak (Jr.), 1983-84
2 91 Jon Koncak (Sr.), 1984-85
3 79 Ira Terrell (Sr.), 1975-76
4 78 Papa Dia (Sr.), 2010-11
5 70 Reggie Franklin (Sr.), 1978-79
6 67 Bamba Fall (Sr.), 2008-09
7 63 Bamba Fall (Jr.), 2007-08
8 62 Bamba Fall (So.), 2006-07
9 59 Reggie Franklin (Jr.), 1977-78
59 Cannen Cunningham (So.), 2012-13
11 54 Jon Koncak (So.), 1982-83
12 53 Bamba Fall (Fr.), 2005-06
13 51 Brad Branson (Sr.), 1979-80
14 47 Ira Terrell (So.), 1973-74
15 45 Patrick Simpson (So.), 2002-03
45 Michael Weathers (Sr.), 2021-22
45
Tyreek Smith (Sr.), 2023-24
MEN OF STEALS: The Mustangs are averaging 8.6 steals (2nd AAC, 34th NCAA). SMU recorded 17 in the win over Western Illinois on Nov. 8 (T-3rd program history) and has 10 or more 7 times. Ten different Mustangs have at least 8 steals this season, led by
Zhuric Phelps (2.0 - 4th AAC).
SMU Single-Game Steals
- 19, Ark-Pine Bluff, 12-20-2004
- 18, [15] Tulsa, 3-4-2000
- 17, Houston Baptist,12-2-2020
- 17, Western Illinois, 11-8-2023
SMU Season Steals Average
1. 9.3 1999-00
2. 8.6 2004-05
—- 8.6 2023-24
3. 8.5 1987-88
4. 8.3 1992-93
8.3 1998-99
6. 7.8 2002-03
KE-ON TARGET:
Keon Ambrose-Hylton is shooting 65.3% from the field this season (3rd AAC) and
Tyreek Smith is at 61.6% (6th AAC) this season. In the 90-47 win over Texas A&M-Commerce on Dec. 3,
Keon Ambrose-Hylton scored 19 points, going 9-9 on FGs. The Mustangs shot 69.2% from the field in that victory, which is fourth in program history. He was the first Mustang to be perfect from the floor on at least 9 attempts since Semi Ojeleye was 9-9 vs Tulsa 3/2/17. In the 80-76 win over Tulane on Feb. 1,
Tyreek Smith was 8-9 on FGs, tying for fifth in an AAC game for SMU with at least 8 made FGs.
SMU Highest Field Goal Percentage In A Game
1. 72.3 (34-47) vs Lamar, 11-21-2010
2. 69.8 (30-43) vs Southern Miss, 1-22-2011
3. 69.4 (34-49) vs Savannah State, 12-19-2005
4. 69.2 (36-52) vs Texas A&M-Commerce 12-3-2023
5. 67.7 (42-62) vs Texas Tech, 1-5-1983
Best FG% By A Mustang In AAC Game (At Least 8 Made FGs)
10-10 Markus Kennedy, 22/22 Memphis, 2-1-2014 (W+,87-72)
9-9 Semi Ojeleye, Tulsa, 3-2-2017 (W, 93-70)
9-10 Ryan Manuel, UCF, 1-31-2015 (W, 75-56)
9-10
Samuell Williamson, ECU, 2-19-2023 (W, 86-70)
8-9 Feron Hunt, Connecticut, 2-12-2020 (W, 79-75)
8-9
Tyreek Smith, Tulane, 2-1-2024 (W, 80-76)
SMU Best Season FG% (Since 1953-54) (Min. 75 Field Goals Made)
—- 65.3
Keon Ambrose-Hylton (Sr.), 2023-24
1 63.7 Terry Williams (Sr.), 1986-87 (142-233)
2 62.1 Jon Koncak (Jr.), 1983-84 (211-340)
3 62.0 Terry Williams (Jr.), 1985-86 (150-242)
—- 61.6
Tyreek Smith (Sr.), 2023-24
4 61.3 Ben Moore (Fr.), 2013-14 (84-137)
5 60.7 Larry Davis (Jr.), 1983-84 (219-361)
6 60.2 Sterling Brown (Jr.), 2015-16 (109-181)
7 59.2 Jon Koncak (Sr.), 1984-85 (219-370)
8 58.1 Terry Thomas (Sr.), 1987-88 (111-191)
9 57.7 Papa Dia (Sr.), 2010-11 (243-421)
10 57.6 Bamba Fall (Sr.), 2008-09 (99-172)
THREE ON TARGET:
Chuck Harris is at 42.6% (4th AAC).
SMU Season 3FG Pct (Since 1986-87) (Min. 20 Made)
1 53.6 Sterling Brown (Jr.), 2015-16 (30-56)
2 53.2 Eric Longino (Sr.), 1988-89 (50-94)
3 49.7 Robert Nyakundi (Jr.), 2010-11 (97-195)
4 47.6 Troy Dorner (Sr.), 1993-94 (39-82)
5 47.5 Scott Johnson (Sr.), 1986-87 (44-99)
6 47.0 Ben Ememlogu (Sr.), 2017-18 (63-134)
7 45.7 Lavardicus Atkins (Fr.), 2000-01 (21-46)
8 45.3 Todd Alexander (Jr.), 1987-88 (82-181)
45.3 Ike Ofoegbu (Sr.), 2006-07 (29-64)
10 44.9 Sterling Brown (Sr.), 2016-17 (61-136)
11 44.7 Charles Smith IV (So.), 2020-21 (21-47)
12 44.4 Sterling Brown (So.), 2014-15 (20-45)
44.4 Jarrey Foster (So.), 2016-17 (32-72)
14 43.6 Nic Moore (So.), 2013-14 (72-165)
15 43.5
Stefan Todorovic (Fr.), 2021-22 (22-52)
16 43.4 Shake Milton (Jr.), 2017-18 (56-129)
17 42.6 Shake Milton (Fr.), 2015-16 (52-122)
—- 42.6
Emory Lanier (Sr.), 2023-24
18 42.4 Semi Ojeleye (Jr.), 2016-17 (73-172)
19 42.3 Shake Milton (So.), 2016-17 (82-194)
AND ANOTHER THREE: SMU has made 10 or more threes in six games this season. In the 92-65 win at Murray State on Dec. 22, SMU went 15-23 on threes. That is seventh in program history for percentage (65.2%) and tied for second in threes made.
Chuck Harris was 5-8,
Ricardo Wright 4-4 and
Jalen Smith 3-4.
SMU Single-Game 3-Point Percentage (Min. 5 3FGA)
- 80.0 (4-5) vs. Baylor, 3-6-1987
- 72.7 (8-11) Rider, 11-21-2012
- 71.4 (5-7) at Nevada, 12-20-1989
- 71.4 (10-14) McNeese State, 12-2-2013
- 66.7 (12-18) Southern Miss, 1-22-2011
- 66.7 (10-15) at Tulsa, 12-29-2015
- 65.2 (15-23) SMU at Murray State, 12-22-2023
SMU Single-Game 3FG Made
- 16 UC Riverside, 11-20-2010
- 15 at Murray State, 12-22-2023
- 15 seven other times
THE SCHEDULE: SMU went 9-4 against a non-conference schedule highlighted by home games against Dayton (L, 65-63) and then-[13/15] Texas A&M (L, 79-66), road match-ups with Arizona State (L, 76-74) and Florida State (W, 68-57) plus the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off with West Virginia (W, 70-58 - semifinal) and Wisconsin (L, 69-61 - championship). SMU plays five AAC opponents twice: ECU (W at ECU), [rv/-] Memphis (L at UM), North Texas (L at UNT, W at SMU), Tulane (Won both) and UAB (W at SMU). The Mustangs will play home games only against Charlotte (W), Temple (W), Tulsa (W) and UTSA, and play road games only versus [24/rv] Florida Atlantic, Rice (W), South Florida and Wichita State (L). The American Men's Basketball Championship is March 13-17 (Wednesday-Sunday) at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.
MUSTANGS GO 3-0 IN SPAIN: SMU finished 3-0 on its exhibition tour in Spain. The Mustangs won 88-77 in Madrid, 125-66 in Valencia and 92-60 in Barcelona. For the three games, the Mustangs shot 50.2% from the field, averaged 15.7 steals and had a plus-21.7 rebound margin (55.7-34.0).
Samuell Williamson averaged 16.0 points to lead the team in scoring, while pulling down 6.3 rebounds and shooting 62.5% (20-32).
Zhuric Phelps added 15.7 points while totaling seven assists and six steals in the three contests.
B.J. Edwards led with 6.0 assists while also averaging 5.3 points and 6.0 rebounds with a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Ja'Heim Hudson contributed 9.3 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Chuck Harris scored 11.0 per game with 2.0 assists.
Tyreek Smith a team-best 8.0 rebounds per game with 6.7 points.
Denver Anglin added 6.7 points and an assist per outing.
Keon Ambrose-Hylton shot 56.3% from the field (9-16) while averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Ricardo Wright added 5.3 points and 1.3 assists.
Emory Lanier had eight points, five assists and two steals for the trip.
During the trip, the travel party visited historic sites in each city. Highlights included Madrid's Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace as well a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, the Port of Valencia and a tour at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
STEALING THE SHOW:
Zhuric Phelps has 145 career steals, which is 8th at SMU. He is averaging 2.0 this season (4th AAC). He had 68 steals in 2022-23, averaging 2.3 per game (1st AAC, 16th NCAA). That was fifth in a season at SMU. Phelps had a career-high 7 steals at Wichita State on Feb. 12, which tied for third in a game at SMU and was the most since Nic Moore had 7 vs Texas Southern 11/26/2014. Phelps also had 6 at Tulsa on Jan. 18 as well as 5 against Cincinnati on Jan. 14 and five at USF on Feb. 25.
SMU Career Steals
1 225 Bryan Hopkins, 2002-06
2 209 Gerald Lewis, 1989-93
3 205 Carl Wright, 1982-85
4 197 Jeryl Sasser, 1997-01
5 179 Stephen +Woods, 1996-00
6 160 Willie Davis, 1997-01
7 153 Quinton Ross, 1999-03
8 145
Zhuric Phelps, 2021-
SMU Career Steals Avg. (min. 35 games)
1 2.1 Bryan Hopkins (225/105), 2002-06
2.1 Carl Wright (205/96), 1982-85
3 1.9 Gerald Lewis (209/112), 1989-93
4 1.7 Carlton McKinney (111/64), 1986-88
1.7 Jeryl Sasser (197/117), 1997-01
1.7 Jemeil Rich (136/81), 1994-97
1.7
Zhuric Phelps, 2021-
8 1.6 Stephen Woods (179/112), 1996-00
1.6 Jimmy Whitt Jr. (103/63), 2017-19
SMU Season Steals Average
1 2.9 Gerald Lewis (Sr.), 1992-93 (79/27)
2 2.4 Bryan Hopkins (Sr.), 2005-06 (52/22)
2.4 Bryan Hopkins (Jr.), 2004-05 (59/25)
4 2.3 Carl Wright (So.), 1983-84 (77/33)
2.3 Carl Wright (Jr.), 1984-85 (76/33)
2.3 Gerald Lewis (Jr.), 1991-92 (63/28)
2.3
Zhuric Phelps (So.), 2022-23
8 2.2 Willie Davis (Jr.), 1999-00 (67/30)
9 2.1 Bryan Hopkins (Fr.), 2002-03 (61/29)
10 2.0 Jeryl Sasser (So.), 1998-99 (60/30)
2.0 Peter Lodwick (Sr.,) 1976-77 (53/27)
—- 2.0
Zhuric Phelps (Jr.), 2023-24
SMU Season Steals
1 79 Gerald Lewis (Sr.), 1992-93
2 77 Carl Wright (So.), 1983-84
3 76 Carl Wright (Jr.), 1984-85
4 68
Zhuric Phelps (So.), 2022-23
5 67 Willie Davis (Jr.), 1999-00
6 63 Gerald Lewis (Jr.), 1991-92 (28)
7 61 Bryan Hopkins (Fr.), 2002-03 (29)
61 Carlton McKinney (Sr.), 1987-88 (35)
9 60 Jeryl Sasser (So.), 1998-99 (30)
60 Jimmy Whitt (So.), 2017-18 (33)
— 50
Zhuric Phelps (Jr.), 2023-24
SMU Single-Game Steals
1 9 Bryan Hopkins, San Jose State, 2-10-2005
2 8 Willie Davis, [15] Tulsa, 3-4-2000
T3 7
Zhuric Phelps, at Wichita State, 2-12-2023 (7 other times)
LEADING THEM ALL: Twice in 2022-23,
Zhuric Phelps led or co-led the Mustangs in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in the same game. He had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block in the 77-74 win against [rv/rv] Utah State on Dec. 23. Phelps had 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block in the 80-65 home loss to [2/2] Houston on Feb. 16.
HISTOR-ACC DAY: SMU celebrated one of the most important moments in the school's history on Sept. 1 when it received and accepted an invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. With the additions of SMU, Cal & Stanford, the ACC will have 18 members.
PONY UP DALLAS: In just seven days after announcing the move into the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sept. 1, SMU raised $100 million to support the Mustangs' transition to the ACC in 2024. The generous early commitments from a group of thirty donors that includes trustees and key donors – alumni and non-alumni alike – enables SMU to align and compete with an elite group of national institutions with powerhouse athletic programs, benefiting both SMU Athletics and the entire University community. The move to the new conference is also creating additional impact. Mustang fans have responded enthusiastically to the planned move, with men's basketball season ticket sales jumping 30% in the last week and hundreds of new football season tickets being sold as well. Notably, the move has immediately raised SMU's profile, with media coverage of the move generating more than $163 million in advertising value in the first three days. In that same small window, SMU also experienced a 103% increase in visitors to its undergraduate admissions homepage.
HEAD COACH ROB LANIER... is in his second season at SMU after arriving from Georgia State. He has more than 30 years as a collegiate coach, including eight seasons as a head coach. His teams have made 12 NCAA Tournaments 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.
Following his first season on the Hilltop, which included a runner-up finish at the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Lanier brought in a transfer class ranked as high as No. 42 nationally and No. 2 in The American. In August of 2023, the Mustangs went 3-0 in Spain with games in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. The team visited several historic sites including Madrid's Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace as well a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, the Port of Valencia and a tour at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
After arriving at SMU, Lanier was named a training camp coach for the 2022 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.
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.
COACHSPEAK.NET: Head Coach
Rob Lanier runs the site as a platform for coaches from all levels across all sports to express themselves on a wide range of topics. It began as an idea in the spring of 2016 and became a reality in 2017. This is a not a site about Strategy, Instruction or Coaching philosophy but it certainly can and will explore those areas. This is a site about people. Coach Lanier has also written articles for the site:
TWO STEP by
Rob Lanier
https://www.coachspeak.net/two-step-by-rob-lanier/
RECALLING MY NBA DAYS…ALL 5 OF THEM by
Rob Lanier
https://www.coachspeak.net/recalling-my-nba-days-all-5-of-them-by-rob-lanier/
SMU BASKETBALL COACHES SHOW PRESENTED BY THE COX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: The SMU Basketball Coaches Show presented by the Cox School of Business features Men's Basketball Head Coach
Rob Lanier and Women's Basketball Head Coach Toyelle Wilson beginning Monday, Jan. 8, 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 watch LIVE on the SMU Mustangs Facebook page, or listen on SMUMustangs.com and on the SMU Mobile App. SHOW DATES: Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 4, 11
2023-24 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
- American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll
N27 -
Zhuric Phelps (19.0 pts, 6.3 rebs, 2.0 asts, 2.0 stls in 2-1 week)
D18 -
Chuck Harris (24 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts in win at Florida State)
D26 -
Samuell Williamson (14.0 pts, 10.5 rebs, 2.0 asts, 13-20 FGs in 2-0 week)
F12 -
Zhuric Phelps (13.0 pts, 4.5 asts, 4.5 rebs, 2.0 stls in 2-0 week)
- Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team -
Zhuric Phelps (18.0 pts, 7.5 rebs, 2.0 asts, 2.0 stls)
- Preseason All-American Athletic Conference -
Zhuric Phelps (2nd Team)
2022-23 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS (returnees):
- 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)
F13 -
Zhuric Phelps (22.5 pts, 3.0 rebs, 5.0 asts, 5.5 stls in 2 games, game-winning FT vs Temple)
F20 -
Zhuric Phelps (18.5 pts, 5.5 rebs, 7.5 asts, 2.5 stls, 5-9 3FGs 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)
SMU CAREER AAC WEEKLY HONORS
21 Kendric Davis
20 Nic Moore
8 Markus Kennedy
8 Semi Ojeleye
7 Shake Milton
6 Ben Moore
6 Jimmy Whitt
6
Zhuric Phelps
STREAKS:
10+ points:
Zhuric Phelps 8 (18, 22, 12, 15, 14, 16, 10, 19),
Chuck Harris 6 (15, 12, 14, 11, 13, 25),
Jalen Smith 2 (14, 10),
Tyreek Smith (11),
Samuell Williamson (10)
Longest This Season:
Zhuric Phelps 11 (11/14 - 1/2), 8+ (1/20 - ),
Chuck Harris 6+ (1/28 - ), 5 (11/9 - 11/26)
8+ rebounds:
Long:
Samuell Williamson 4 (12/6 - 12/22), 4 (1/13 - 1/25), Tyreek Smith 2 (11/6 - 11/8)
Dbl-Dbl:
Long:
Samuell Williamson 2 (1/16 - 1/20)
5+ assists:
Chuck Harris (6)
Long:
Zhuric Phelps 4 (1/28 - 2/7),
B.J. Edwards 2 (11/8 - 11/9), (1/16 - 1/20),
Chuck Harris 2 (2/4 - 2/7)
2+ steals:
Zhuric Phelps 3 (2, 2, 2),
Jalen Smith 2 (2, 2),
Ja'Heim Hudson (2)
Long:
Zhuric Phelps 3 (11/22 - 11/29; 12/19 - 1/2; 1/13 - 1/20),
Samuell Williamson 3 (1/20 - 1/28), 3 (2/4 - 2/11)
2+ blocks:
Tyreek Smith (4, 4)
Long: Tyreek Smith 5 (12/16 - 1/7), 3 (11/6 - 11/9),
Keon Ambrose-Hylton 3 (12/19 - 1/2)
SEEING DOUBLE-DOUBLE:
Samuell Williamson has 7 double-doubles in AAC play at SMU. In 2022-23, he had 6 double-doubles for the season including 4 in AAC games. This season, he has 4 double-doubles with 3 in AAC games.
SMU Career Double-Doubles In AAC Games
11 - Ben Moore, 2013-17
7 - Markus Kennedy, 2013-16
7 -
Samuell Williamson, 2022-24
5 - Feron Hunt, 2018-21
5 - Marcus Weathers, 2021-22
SMU Season Double-Doubles In AAC Games
6 - Ben Moore, 2016-17
5 - Ben Moore, 2015-16
5 - Marcus Weathers, 2021-22
4 - Markus Kennedy, 2013-14
4 - Sterling Brown, 2016-17
4 - Feron Hunt, 2020-21
4 -
Samuell Williamson, 2022-23
3 - Yanick Moreira, 2014-15
3 - Jimmy Whitt Jr., 2018-19
3 - Tyson Jolly, 2019-20
3 -
Efe Odigie, 2022-23
3 -
Samuell Williamson, 2023-24
DOUBLE-DOUBLES THIS SEASON Stats Season Career
Tyreek Smith SAGU 11/6 12 pts, 10 rebs 1st 3rd
Zhuric Phelps vs West Virginia 11/20 17 pts, 12 rebs 1st 2nd
Tyreek Smith at Florida State 12/16 10 pts, 10 rebs 2nd 4th
Samuell Williamson at Murray State 12/22 10 pts, 13 rebs 1st 12th
Samuell Williamson Temple 1/16 17 pts, 12 rebs 2nd 13th
Chuck Harris Tulsa 1/20 18 pts, 10 asts 1st 1st
Samuell Williamson Tulsa 1/20 15 pts, 10 rebs 3rd 14th
Samuell Williamson Tulane 2/1 10 pts, 13 rebs 4th 15th
ZHURIC PHELPS NBA DRAFT: On April 12,
Zhuric Phelps announced he would enter the NBA Draft and maintain his collegiate eligibility. On May 24, he announced he would withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to SMU for his junior season.
PORTAL POWER: 247 Sports ranked SMU as the No. 42 transfer class and the No. 2 class in the American Athletic Conference (Memphis). The transfers included two ranked as four-star (
B.J. Edwards - Tennessee,
Chuck Harris - Butler) and three as three-star (
Denver Anglin - Georgetown,
Ja'Heim Hudson - Georgia State, Tyreek Smith - Oklahoma State) additions.
AAC OPENERS: The Mustangs defeated Charlotte 66-54 on Jan. 2 for their 10th straight win in AAC openers.
AAC HONORS: SMU leads The American in Players Of The Year (4) and is second in All-AAC honors (19)
AAC Players of the Year
4 - SMU
2 - Cincinnati, Houston
1 - Connecticut, Memphis, Wichita State
All-AAC Honors
21 - Houston
19 - SMU
16 - Cincinnati
14 – 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.
6 - Houston (4 Season, 2 Tournament)
5 - Cincinnati (3 Season, 2 Tournament)
4 - SMU (2 Season, 2 Tournament)
2 - Louisville (1 Season, 1 Tournament)
1 - Temple (Season), Tulsa (Season), Wichita State (Season), Memphis (Tournament), 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 2021-22 with Memphis Hustle
- Feron Hunt signed a two-way with the New York Knicks (3/18/22), then finished 2022-23 with Birmingham (G League affiliate for New Orleans)
- 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, Jarrey Foster, Feron Hunt, Markus Kennedy, Jahmal McMurray, Isiaha Mike, Ben Moore, Nic Moore, Yanick Moreira, Nick Russell, Jordan Tolbert, Marcus Weathers, Michael Weathers
IN THE POLLS: SMU has been ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25 and/or the USA Today Coaches Poll in eight of the previous 10 seasons (2013-14 to 2022-23).
SMU ATHLETICS LAUNCHES STUDENT-ATHLETE SUCCESS DEPARTMENT: As part of its goal of Shaping Champions and preparing students for life, SMU Athletics announced the creation of a Student-Athlete Success Department for the 2022-23 academic year. This department encompasses all student-development-centered efforts such as Life After Ball, SAAC and community service initiatives. Additionally, it houses NIL Education and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming. Due to a generous donation from Suzanne and Glenn Youngkin, SMU Athletics is 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 current chair of the Board of Trustees. He was a three-year starter on the basketball team and a member of the 1971-72 Southwest Conference Co-Championship team. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Miller and his wife, Carolyn Lacy Miller, have committed over $100 million to SMU, including more than $50 million to the Cox School of Business, $20 million toward the expansion and renovation of Moody Coliseum and $10 million to the ACC Competitiveness Campaign as a member of the First Week Society.
COACHES VS CANCER SUITS AND SNEAKERS WEEK - Jan. 22-28: Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week is a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer! The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $155 million for the American Cancer Society. (SMU also participated in CvC during the home game vs Tulsa on Jan. 20 since the team is on the road for both games this week.)
AAC UNITY WEEK - Together We Stand is Jan. 27 to Feb. 4: The American Athletic Conference is committed to racial equality and continuous development of an environment that embraces and celebrates diversity, inclusion, advocacy, accountability, and education for student-athletes, coaches, conference staff, administrators, and our fans. As a component of our commitment to immediate and ongoing action, The American has established conference-wide "Unity Weeks" where student-athletes will wear special warm-up shirts, signifying their commitment to these principles. SMU's games during Unity Week are at Wichita State on Jan. 28 and at home versus Tulane on Feb. 1.
CHAMPIONS FOR LITERACY GAME (championsforlit.org): This is the 10th straight season SMU has supported Champions For Literacy (formerly Coaching For Literacy), designating the home game against Houston Christian on Dec. 19 as the CFL game at Moody Coliseum for 2023-24. Jonathan Wilfong (SMU '17) and Andrew Renshaw, two then-high school seniors from Memphis, Tennessee, founded CFL 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, Champions 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)
12/19/23 vs Houston Christian (W, 89-53)
