The SMU men’s basketball team has been the cause for much excitement for mustang nation. Under the leadership of recently appointed head coach Larry Brown, the men’s basketball team is 15-1 at home and 23-7 in the American Athletic Conference.
So with the 2013-2014 season marking the first time SMU has been in ranked in the AP Poll in over 30 years, what is the source of such success? Larry Brown? Players? The newly improved Moody Coliseum?
The answer may come from someone who has been working behind the scenes and has witnessed as SMU’s basketball program strove to make a name for itself.
As team manager of SMU men’s basketball, Evan Kavanagh is in charge of setting up for practices and games, working out players after practice, prepping home and visitor locker rooms and many other everyday tasks to keep the program running smoothly.
A double major in sports management and economic, Kavanagh pursued the position as team manager with the hope of gaining a valuable experience and making good relationships. After writing a letter to the SMU athletic department, Kavanagh joined the team in the fall of 2012.
Born and raised in Greenwich, Conn., Kavanagh played on his high school’s varsity
basketball team.
“We were the Greenwich High Cardinals and I played left wing,” he said.
Having loved basketball ever since he was a kid, Kavanagh can still be found occasionally shooting hoops in Dedman gym.
When asked who is favorite team to root for is, Kavanagh replied, “The New York Knicks… besides SMU, of course.”
But Evan has done more then just cheer on the Mustangs. Not only does he assist both Coach Brown and the players, but also, spends around four hours a day attending team practice, in addition to the eight hour long game days. Both of which Kavanagh enjoys and calls a fun time.
“It’s very exciting to be a part of SMU’s first athletic program to have this much national praise and success since the ’80s,” Evan said.
So are the long hours of practice the reason for SMU’s No. 23 ranking?
Kavanagh thinks it’s a combination of, “hard work, a lack of selfishness, and superior talent.” Additionally, Evan notes that hall of famer, Larry Brown, is inspirational.
“He’s a great coach and an even better guy. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity,” Kavanagh said.
As for the future, Kavanagh does not think he will go into coaching immediately after college, but hopes to use what he has learned about leadership in future pursuits. With that being said, he definitely plans on coaching later on in his life and, will use what he has learned from everyone in the program when that time comes.
