NBA hopeful, McDonalds All-American guard, top ranked recruit in the 2014 class, and SMU commit Emmanuel Mudiay chose to skip college and play professionally overseas.
“Emmanuel Mudiay has decided to pursue professional basketball opportunities,” SMU Head Coach Larry Brown said in a statement. “This is not an academic issue, since he has been admitted to SMU, but rather a hardship issue.”
Aside from SMU basketball overcoming the underdog image last season, going 27-10 and becoming quite the powerhouse, the biggest story off the court, gaining national coverage, was the signing of Mudiay.
“I was excited about going to SMU and playing college basketball for Coach Brown and his staff and preparing for the NBA,” Mudiay said. “But I was tired of seeing my mom struggle.”
Leaving many shocked and upset after barely missing out on the NCAA Tournament last season and going on to mark its spot in the N.I.T. tournament, SMU Basketball proved to be a class act and showed the nation they truly do “finish the right way.” Although this is a big loss to SMU Basketball, the team and Coach Brown support and respect his decision.
“After talking to Emmanuel, I know he really wants to alleviate some of the challenges his family faces and recognizes that he has an opportunity to help them now,” Brown said. “While I believe that college is the best way to prepare for life and the NBA, Emmanuel’s situation is unique.”
Mudiay attended Prime Prep, founded by Deon Sanders, with locations in Dallas and Fort Worth. Sanders commented on Mudiay’s decision to News 8 on Monday.
“I know his family, I know his mother, and I know it’s not easy for her,” Sanders said. “She’s a single mom, she’s a woman of God, and a wonderful woman and I am just happy he can do something to rescue his mother.”
As a senior last season he averaged 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists a game. Although he is foregoing his amateur status he will still be eligible for the 2015 NBA draft.
This will not be the last basketball news on the Hilltop. The 2014-2015 season will be led by several returning players starting with 5’9″ junior guard Nic Moore who started all 37 games last season, averaging 13.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. And Markus Kennedy standing at 6’9″ who played in all 37 games last season, starting 22, averaging 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds. And the list goes on.
Losing Mudiay is just a bump in the road for this potential championship bound team Coach Brown is building.
“We were excited about having him at SMU, but we understand this decision and wish him the best,” Brown said.
Moody Magic will continue as SMU is set to have yet another breakthrough season this year. Mustang fans can always count on Coach Brown and SMU basketball to finish strong.
