damon sayles of the smu rivals site:
What do the 'stangs do offensively and defensively?
1. Offensively, they're still trying to solidify an identity. They got TCU transfer point guard Kendric Davis cleared to play on Nov. 22, the day before their game against UNLV, and he has fueled this team as a floor general. They've got a do-it-all guard in Tyson Jolly, a double-double machine in forward Feron Hunt and a veteran leader in stretch four Isiaha Mike.
Defensively is where this team has been pretty good. Entering the week, the Mustangs had held six of their seven opponents to under 40% shooting. They rebound well, and they use their defense to take advantage of fast-break opportunities.
are they a fast, aggressive squad?
2. This year, they are definitely quick. Davis really helps in that category. They have been aggressive, but a test against Georgetown will show exactly how aggressive this team is. I can say this: They're far more aggressive than they would be a finesse team. Tim Jankovich knows what he has in a young team -- one without a senior -- and he's letting the team go all in.
where is the program right now?
3. This program has had to deal with all kinds of ups and downs the past three years. They were on probation and couldn't fill a full roster until this year. They're expecting to get an athletic, explosive, 6-10 defender in Isiah Jasey, who transferred from Texas A&M last December. They're also hoping to hear word from the NCAA on Cal transfer guard Darius McNeill, who would give the Mustangs added firepower in the backcourt and also would be a leader. McNeill averaged double figures in scoring his first two seasons in the Pac-12.
Jankovich has been excited about the possibilities of this team since way before the season. Now, it's just a matter of getting all the pieces together at once. But until then, SMU will continue to work with its current roster -- and it's done a good job thus far.
What do the 'stangs do offensively and defensively?
1. Offensively, they're still trying to solidify an identity. They got TCU transfer point guard Kendric Davis cleared to play on Nov. 22, the day before their game against UNLV, and he has fueled this team as a floor general. They've got a do-it-all guard in Tyson Jolly, a double-double machine in forward Feron Hunt and a veteran leader in stretch four Isiaha Mike.
Defensively is where this team has been pretty good. Entering the week, the Mustangs had held six of their seven opponents to under 40% shooting. They rebound well, and they use their defense to take advantage of fast-break opportunities.
are they a fast, aggressive squad?
2. This year, they are definitely quick. Davis really helps in that category. They have been aggressive, but a test against Georgetown will show exactly how aggressive this team is. I can say this: They're far more aggressive than they would be a finesse team. Tim Jankovich knows what he has in a young team -- one without a senior -- and he's letting the team go all in.
where is the program right now?
3. This program has had to deal with all kinds of ups and downs the past three years. They were on probation and couldn't fill a full roster until this year. They're expecting to get an athletic, explosive, 6-10 defender in Isiah Jasey, who transferred from Texas A&M last December. They're also hoping to hear word from the NCAA on Cal transfer guard Darius McNeill, who would give the Mustangs added firepower in the backcourt and also would be a leader. McNeill averaged double figures in scoring his first two seasons in the Pac-12.
Jankovich has been excited about the possibilities of this team since way before the season. Now, it's just a matter of getting all the pieces together at once. But until then, SMU will continue to work with its current roster -- and it's done a good job thus far.