3-star center Bruno Fernando ready to join 'new family' at SMU

SMU received great news Friday afternoon when 2016 center Bruno Fernando announced his commitment to the school live on ESPN from the Dick’s Sporting Goods National Tournament in New York City. Fernando told the announcers that SMU had been a front-runner for a long time so the HillTopics spoke to Fernando and dove into what made SMU the top pick for the Angola native.

“I liked SMU right away when I came to the school in the summer,” Fernando said. “It was just me and the coaches and the players that were still on campus. It was fun and I felt comfortable around the team. I think that’s what I’m looking forward to most, just getting to hangout with my new family.”

For a top 100 recruit, Fernando’s recruitment was surprisingly shrouded in secrecy but he chose SMU over schools such as LSU, Alabama, Marquette and more. However, SMU was on the center’s radar from early on in his recruitment.

“I knew about SMU because of Yanick Moreira but that wasn’t what helped me make a decision,” Fernando said. “It won’t be hard for me to come to Dallas because I know that in Texas I have family and I know there are a lot of people from Angola there too.”

There was one factor that really set SMU apart from the other schools and Fernando sees the opportunity for growth with the program.

“When I met Larry Brown, he came to watch me play a game and he introduced himself to me,” Fernando said. “I knew who he was and I could tell he was so genuine. My relationship with the coaches is why I really love SMU. They really don’t just tell you what you want to hear.”

Many outsiders might’ve been surprised that a program clouded in scandal and bad headlines could pull in a 2016 class like they have with two four-stars, and three three-stars.

“I liked SMU and when I heard about the probation and the sanctions it really did make me question the program,” Fernando said. “So many people, even really smart people, told me that I shouldn’t get involved with a program like that. But I like the school and the coaches and I think ‘Hey, I’m in it now. This is my choice no matter what happens.’”

Playing time certainly won’t be an issue for the 6-foot-10, 225-pound center who fills a need for the Mustangs and despite questions of red-shirting his freshman year, Fernando appreciates the opportunity.

“I know that my playing style fits with the way SMU plays,” Fernando said. “I wanted to take the chance to get to play early instead of going to a school with a long roster. I didn’t want to sit behind upperclassmen because I want to play.”

It won’t be long before one of the best recruiting classes in program history heads to SMU for school and this next season is shaping up just right for a comeback.