We continue our recruit and return series with the SMU Mustangs, whose season ended Sunday thanks to an NCAA tournament ban. A look at what next season brings for Larry Brown and Co.:
Possible 2016-17 starting five
G: Shake Milton (10.8 PPG, 2.8 APG)
G: Ben Emelogu (2.8 PPG in 2014-15)
F: Sterling Brown (10.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG)
F: Semi Ojeleye (Duke transfer)
F: Ben Moore (11.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG)
Who is lost: The Mustangs are losing the heart and soul of their team, as Nic Moore is out of eligibility. In three seasons in Dallas after transferring from Illinois, Moore established himself as one of the best point guards in the country. Even without the possibility of the NCAA Tournament this season, Moore consistently hit big shots and carried SMU at times. Larry Brown will miss him. SMU is also going to be short a few bodies inside, with Jordan Tolbert and Markus Kennedy leaving. Tolbert, the former Texas Tech transfer, was dominant early on this season, and although his numbers slowed down in AAC play, he was still a double-double threat. Former Villanova transfer Markus Kennedy had an up-and-down senior season, but he was one of the best bigs in the AAC the past few seasons.
Who is added: The biggest addition for SMU next season will Semi Ojeleye, who transferred from Duke during the 2014-15 season but decided to sit out this entire season and have two full years of eligibility remaining. the former ESPN 100 prospect played a season and a half at Duke, and while he never saw extended minutes, he’s a skilled and versatile forward. Brown is also bringing in a recruiting class that will fill holes in the lineup. Ted Kapita has the most potential of anyone in the class. He was a former ESPN 100 recruit who once committed to Arkansas and then did a year of prep school. Kapita has a high motor and can run the floor. The Australian duo of Harry Froling and Tom Wilson also enter the fold; expect Froling to be counted upon more during his freshman season. DaShawn McDowell will provide depth at the point guard position.
What it means for next season: The roster will take on an entirely different look next season, but three key players return from the starting lineup. Shake Milton saw his role increase as the year progressed, becoming one of the highest minute-getters on the team. He was a perimeter threat, consistently knocking down 3-pointers, but he’s also capable of getting to the rim or creating for others. Sterling Brown is a glue guy of sorts, and the senior-to-be saw his scoring take a big jump this past season. SMU will need more of the same next season. Six-foot-eight Ben Moore was effective on the inside, blocking shots and finishing in the paint. Freshman Jarrey Foster played a bigger role once Keith Frazier and Sedrick Barefield transferred out, and will be a key role player next season. Wing Ben Emelogu missed this season with a knee injury, but he brings experience and will provide depth.
Trending: Down. The Mustangs were one of the best stories in college basketball for the first three months of the season, starting 18-0 before losing at Temple in late January. Of course, they’re ineligible for the NCAA Tournament -- and will now lose Moore, Tolbert and Kennedy. There are some key players coming back, and the newcomers will provide depth -- but it will be tough for Brown to hit the 25-win mark for the fourth straight season.