NCAA Basketball: Ok State, Va Tech, and Minnesota among Sean Pedulla’s top 8
By Ian Mumm
SMU Mustangs
The Mustangs have been on a bit of a roller coaster in the Tim Jankovich era, but in his defense the program was gutted in 2016 and 2017 by the NBA departures of Shake Milton, Semi Ojeleye, Ben Moore and Sterling Brown. Jankovich has not shown an overarching tendency to favor guards versus bigs during his time with the Mustangs, but rather has conformed his strategy to adapt to the strengths of his roster.
The 2020 team looks to continue last year’s trend of poor perimeter shooting, and potential early departures from guards Kendric Davis or Darius McNeill could leave big holes in the backcourt entering 2021.
Pedulla is a potential fix for both areas. He has the offensive skillset that Jankovich could reliably utilize from the get-go, especially as a consistent perimeter threat. The Mustangs were a heavy 3-point shooting team last season, but struggled to convert on those attempts. There’s potential in Pedulla’s game with this playing style to immediately become a double-digit scoring option should he be afforded the minutes to carve out his role.
Additionally, Kendric Davis was the only player on last year’s roster producing more than 2.5 assists per game. The need for a playmaker on the 2021 squad is of great need for Jankovich to secure. Pedulla has proven his IQ and operations through the pick-and-roll make him a prime candidate to fill this role as well.
He has the court vision to make plays in the lane, score the ball in tight and involve others around the floor. He’s the complete package and would be a very strong addition to the SMU program.