NCAA Basketball: Top 25 team backcourts for 2021-22 season
By Ian Mumm
Mustangs . 25. team. 453. . .
The Mustangs fell below expectations, despite featuring a talented roster from top to bottom. Even though the team experienced inconsistent results on the court, SMU still finished in the top-4 of the AAC. This year that bar could be surpassed with an upgraded backcourt stable rivaling many powerhouse programs in the nation.
SMU returns not only their best guard from 2020 in Kendric Davis but also the best returning player in the conference period. Davis’ 19.0 points and 7.6 assists per game were tops in the AAC last year and he will look to build on those numbers again in 2021.
It won’t be easy, but in the chance he does, the Mustangs will also return double-digit scorer Emmanuel Bandoumel for another year. Bandoumel was a strong perimeter asset for head coach Tim Jankovich in 2020 and he will look towards the senior as a steadying force in that area again this season.
Top scoring guards Zach Nutall (Sam Houston State) and Michael Weathers (Texas Southern) both join this program this offseason. Nutall ranked in the national top-25 last year in points per game and is a big addition to the program’s backcourt in 2021. Consistently shooting north of 43% from the floor in his 3-year collegiate career, Nutall stands to boost production for the Mustangs dramatically and will continue to be a reliable presence to offset pressure applied to Davis.
SMU also signed Texas 6A state champion Zhuric Phelps from powerhouse Duncanville this offseason. Phelps carries a very high motor and is tenacious on both ends of the floor giving this year’s team a chance to jump into the top-50 nationally in defensive rating. Phelps is a proven three-level scoring threat and has the experience to contribute immediately for the Mustangs.
With Houston and Memphis as favorites to win the conference, the path to earning that title will be tough. However, SMU’s backcourt depth is a definite wrench in their side towards achieving the same goal as well. It will be a fun battle to watch play out, but don’t think this team will suffer the same setbacks it did in 2020.