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....that if they shared the same class and tried to pass notes to each other, they'd drop them.

OK, that joke probably fizzled but this is a really bad passing team. They play out of control. They try to force balls that aren't there. The guard court vision is a major issue. The judgment is the worst part.

The ball that Markus Kennedy turned over near the MSU bench in the second half was a perfect example. I think he was trying to find Nic Moore and just did something plain idiotic (And don't tell me he's rusty. He should know better.) I said after the Michigan game if this stuff doesn't get addressed, then we're going to lose games we have no business losing.

It nearly happened against a pretty solid Division II team. We made this game far more difficult on ourselves than we needed to.

I'm relieved we won, but this kind of execution plays you out of March Madness instead of in it.

Part of me wonders if they're even listening to Larry right now.

Nathan takes a thorough look through the SMU roster as non-conference play concludes.

Report Card

Here is Tyler's Quick Take

Tyler and I will be covering the game today, check in here for live updates!

Just spoke with Jarrey Foster, he's in Dallas this week for a basketball tourney (not back from injury quite yet but will be as soon as early January) and he told me he's going to go to Moody this week for a game, either against Midwestern State on Monday or USF on Wednesday. He's excited because he's been "waiting for this since I committed."

Just minutes after sources told us that a commitment was imminent, Jon Rothstein reports that Ojeleye has committed to SMU while on his official visit. The former five-star recruit is a huge addition for the Mustangs

Has anybody talked to this kid? Top 5 in the nation, plays for MoKan Elite where Semi and Shake played and he lists an SMU offer. He also just threw down this absolutely disgusting dunk.

http://www.sbnation.com/2014/12/29/7466371/michael-porter-jr-flies-like-michael-jordan-for-dunk

SMU 70, MSU 61

The Quick Take: Nic Moore led the team with 23 points. His
shooting and SMU's ability to grab offensive boards fueled the team's scoring.
Defensively, SMU controlled the paint but allowed six 3-pointers in the first
half. They held MSU to only one 3-pointer in the second half, and were able to
pull away for the win. Both teams constantly traded leads, but good ball
handling by Nic Moore and free throw shooting by the entire team finished off
MSU.

The Highlight: SMU controlled the paint on both ends.
Moreira blocked nine shots, setting an SMU record for most blocks in a game. Moreira
was outmatched by MSU's strength, but his timing ability helped him swat shots
across the court. A significant size advantage played a role, but SMU's effort
to grab rebounds led to fast break opportunities and second chance points.
Moreira, Kennedy, and Ben Moore struggled to score from the post, but they
consistently got good looks. With Moreira providing length and Kennedy giving
strength, SMU has a great 1-2 punch in their frontcourt going into conference
play.

The Lowlight: Larry Brown's squad started the game at an
extremely slow pace. They lacked any energy and immediately let MSU realize
that they could definitely win the game. In fact, MSU grabbed the momentum long
before SMU made any plays to get the crowd excited at Moody Coliseum. Nic Moore
did not push the ball like he usually does, and the entire team could not find
good shots. A slow start against a better team would've given the Mustangs a
much greater deficit than the one they faced tonight.

What it means: SMU finishes their nonconference play with a
win. It wasn't pretty at all, but a win is a win. Markus Kennedy has some work
to do to keep feeling more comfortable in the offense, especially operating in
the post. This gives the Mustangs some confidence as they head into the
conference season on Wednesday against USF.

Hey Adam--- I got this from a friend in reference to Blake Martin, who ran in a 28 yard touchdown to seal the win in his Bowl game vs. Illinois this weekend :

"I don't know if you have any connections in the new regime at SMU. However I want to help a friend of mine whose son will graduate from La. Tech with 1 year of eligibility left. He is a great young man, player, will have graduated this year, has a year of eligibility left, from Lovejoy/Lucas, Runs 4.4, has strength, President of Christian group on team and in limited time averaged over 6 yards a carry this year and at least 8 yds in last 5 games he played. He was DNP a couple of times (was also injured a few games) which makes no sense but I sense that the coaches wanted others to get their shots.

His name is Blake Martin (#25) and his dad is a friend. He could be immediate help for SMU. He is a special kid who hasn't had a particularly fair shot at La. Tech as he has been behind Kenneth Dixon and where the coaching staff has given 2nd team reps to a freshman who they see as the future. Blake was special teams player of the year last year and didn't play special teams this year. His dad is confused but he has graduated, has eligibility and he most likely will go somewhere to play next year while he continues his studies.

Just a thought"


This really sounds a good opportunity to grab a kid who could immediately step in to help next year.


I couldn’t find many highlights but these 2 videos highlight video’s are from high school (junior & sr.years). He is actually much bigger, much faster than 4 years ago. Ran 4.5 as Sr. His Dad says its 4.4 now and can run pro type numbers in shuffle, etc.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bENSMiugl4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0cgizFkSK8




This post was edited on 12/29 12:40 PM by ponyscott

This post was edited on 12/29 1:20 PM by ponyscott

I spoke with Corona Centennial center Ike Anigbogu this weekend at the UA Holiday Classic.

Anigbogu

"This will be the best team we will play all year long" - what MSU head coach Nelson Haggerty told his team before the game

Keith Frazier and Markus Kennedy
"We didn't underestimate them...they're just a good team" - KennedyAssistant Shawne Williams challenged Frazier and other players at halftime to step up defensively"That's crazy" - Frazier on Moreira's 9 blocksKennedy says he expects that performance from Moreira after how hard he worked in the summer and in practice"Just trying to get the feel back" specifically in the post - Kennedy
Larry Brown
"I admire that team. I would've much rather had sat on that bench. They played hard."Pointed out that MSU had 2 weeks off and said SMU was "lucky" for that scheduling"We were terrible. Our start was bad, our finish was bad, and our in-between was bad."Wants to get better specifically at turnovers. Said that was the main factor in SMU's lossesThe 14 assists for SMU did not satisfy himConstantly tells players to "value their minutes and opportunities"Pointed out recent upset wins by Stony Brook, Texas Southern and others to tell players that you can't underestimate MSU"There's a lot of great coaches we don't even know about...like Coach Haggerty"

Nathan and Tyler if his flight makes it in time will be at Moody to cover the game!

We often mention the need for remedial courses for some student athletes because they come from high schools that may not prepare them for college work-but under NCAA rules the use of remedial courses are significantly restricted.




Remedial Courses

The maximum number of remedial hours that may be used during the first year of enrollment to meet progress requirements is 12.At the beginning of the 3rd year, these credit hours no longer count toward the degree or any other progress toward degree rule.

I take a look at SMU's last non-conference game, Midwestern State.

Preview

This post was edited on 12/29 4:15 PM by AdamGrosbard

Coach Morris is making great strides in his offers and commitments on skill position players, however I think he better be looking for some big and fast offensive and defensive linemen. If we have the same mediocre performance of getting completely whipped on both sides of the ball even a 5 star QB or Running back won't stand a chance. I don't see any immediate help in this situation. Maybe there are some JUCOs out there for some help

I spoke with SMU commit Sedrick Barefield at the Under Armor Holiday Classic Saturday night.

Barefield

Honestly watching Barefield was like watching a completely different player. He did not try to force anything on offense, taking exactly what the defense gave him and making them pay. He moved well without the ball in his hand to get open and his passes were spot on, even if the clumsiness of some of his teammates cost him some assists. He played mostly smart defense but still gambles occasionally to try to get steals. Nothing that Larry Brown's coaching can't fix!

Nikki takes a look at two SMU commits and a possible third.

Scouting Report

Definitely helps SMU's March resume

A couple of names that SMU might look at to transfer in..

Akoy Agau, 6-9, 230 from Louisville....2013 Rivals 4-Star, 87th Ranked in Nation.
Josh Martin, 6-8, 240 from Minnesota....2014 Rivals 3-Star
Schuyler Rimmer, 6-10, 240 from Stanford....2013 Rivals 3-Star
Dominic Woodson, 6-10, 315 from Tennessee....2013 Rivals 4-Star, 80th Ranked in Nation.

I'm still trying to get in touch Semi myself but for now you can read this little interview from Adam Zagoria:

http://zagsblog.com/articles/smu-lands-duke-transfer-semi-ojeleye/

Two-star Rockwall wide receiver Xavier Castille tweeted out that he is taking an official visit to SMU on January 24. He also tweeted he would take officials to Washington and Oklahoma State in January.

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Xavier-Castille-163230

I'm hearing really good things about SMU's visit this weekend with Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye. Could be getting some very good news in the near future

SMU has offered 2015 Kimball defensive back Antoine Stephens:

https://rivals.yahoo.com/smu/football/recruiting/player-Antoine-Stephens-167819

1. ) Adam and his new staff's dedication to bringing this stie back from the dead. Last year at this time I was ready to cancel, shoot Rivals and become an exile, today I can only say thanks for all the great updates....


(fill in your own thankfuls my feellow Hilltopicers )