SPRINGFIELD – Day 3 of the Spalding Hoophall Classic concluded with a highly-anticipated matchup between Huntington Prep (W.Va.) and Prime Prep (Texas).
Emmanuel Mudiay, the 6-foot-4 Prime Prep lead guard, made headlines this summer when he announced he would commit to SMU, electing to remain in Texas and play for Hall of Famer Larry Brown rather than following the long list of successful point guard who went to play for John Calipari.
“It was tough, but SMU was just the right place for me,” Mudiay said following a 52-48 loss to Huntington Prep.
“[Brown] is like a father-figure to me. I text him here and there. He’s given me some great advice. He comes to any game he can make. He’s just a great individual, great person. He doesn’t put basketball first. It’s always checking how’s the family. How I’m doing. Then it’s basketball.”
Mudiay, ranked the second-best player in the Class of 2014 by Rivals, is joining a talented perimeter for the Mustangs, which will make them contenders in the American Athletic Conference, a league that loses Louisville to the ACC next season.
Nic Moore, a transfer guard from Illinois State, is averaging a team-leading 13.1 points per game. Keith Frazier, a highly-regarded freshman, is still adjusting to the college game, posting 5.7 points in 17.4 minutes per game.
“Whatever Coach Brown needs me to do,” Mudiay added. “Play off the ball, play on the ball. I’m pretty sure he’s going to have me and Nic do that. Nothing is given to me, so I have to go out there and earn my spot.”
Mudiay is currently the only member of SMU’s incoming freshmen class. But will that remain the same when he begins school next fall?
Myles Turner, a 6-foot-10 center from Trinity High (Texas) is the top player available in the Class of 2014. He holds offers from Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Texas. However, he decided to reconsider SMU once Mudiay made his commitment.
“We so busy with the season I can’t stay in contact with him,” Mudiay said. “Every time I get a chance to remind him, I say ‘Pony Up’ or something like that.”
Mudiay ended with 20 points, three boards and two assists, earning team MVP honors for Saturday night’s showdown with Huntington Prep.