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SMU Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Mustangs

By Brad Cavallaro

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 17: Shake Milton
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 17: Shake Milton /
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BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 30: Guard Foster
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 30: Guard Foster /

Overview and Ranking

The SMU Mustangs have a very different look than last season. The 2016-17 team was defined by their positional length, defensive versatility, and outside shooting, but the 17-18 team looks to have more offensive creators and more depth.

SMU’s six rotation players last season ranged from 6’5’’ to 6’8’’ which contributed to their terrific zone defense. This season players like Whitt (6’3’’) and McMurray (6’0’’) lack the size and length that SMU relied on last season.

The Mustangs were fourth nationally in three-point shooting, but two of their elite shooters (Ojeleye and Brown) have gone on to the NBA. The players who will take their minutes are not as proficient from beyond the arc.

This SMU team does have more offensive creators then last season, namely Whitt and McMurray. Both players have reputations as big-time scorers, but Whitt has yet to prove it at the college level and McMurray has only put up big numbers on a bad team with a high volume of shots.

If both players can mesh with Shake Milton, then SMU will have a more dynamic offense. Expect all three guards to be on the court together for long stretches as it will put immense pressure on opposing defenses. Since Milton has the size of a wing and can distribute like a lead guard, Whitt and McMurray can focus on scoring, which will only help their production.

The X-factor is Akoy Agau. The 6’8’’ senior is in line for a starting job for the first time in his career which should lead to a major increase in production. If he can live up to his bigger role then SMU will have found some stability in the frontcourt.

Next: Virginia Tech 17-18 Season Preview

Overall, I have SMU finishing third in the AAC (behind Wichita State and Cincinnati) and No. 40 nationally. This would mean about a No. 10 seed for the Mustangs in the NCAA Tournament and while this is not as high as they finished last season, it would signify a strong season after losing three starters, including one as an early entrant in the NBA Draft.