Harry Froling excited about 'continuing the journey' with Tom Wilson

Monday was a big day for SMU. Big in the sense that the team filled a big need with a big-time prospect when four-star power forward Harry Froling made his big announcement that he was going to be a Mustang.

There were some clear factors in the Australia Institute of Sport product's mind when he made his decision.

"I think just the opportunity to play early and Larry Brown being the coach for one," Froling told the HillTopics, "and one of my best mates is going there so just continuing the journey with him."

That "mate" is SMU signee Tom Wilson, a guard who played with Froling at AIS when they were coming up. The two competed together on the Australian national team that won the silver medal at the FIBA U17 World Championship.

Australia lost the championship game to the United States 99-92 but Froling scored 13 points while Wilson added 23 and seven assists in the finale.

"He told me he had a feeling but he was over the moon when he found out," Froling said of his past, present and future teammate's reaction to his commitment.

The forward, known for his ability to score inside and out, waited until he got back to Australia after four-school tour that included official visits to Arizona, Colorado and Illinois. But he knew during his final visit at SMU that he wanted to play his future home games at Moody Coliseum.

"Probably when the crowd were chanting 'We want Froling,' it made me think that was it," Froling said of the moment he decided to attend SMU. He hinted at this decision by throwing up the pony ears during the varsity and as he walked into the tunnel after SMU's win over Houston.

"The crowd was really into it. They sell out most of their games. It was all-around just a cool game experience."

Froling also enjoyed what he saw of SMU's campus on the Hilltop.

"Campus obviously was good. The living quarters and everything was great."

One thing SMU offered that the other schools didn't was the big city of Dallas and the perks that come with living there.

"Another attraction was the NBA and baseball I’m pretty sure and the NFL," said Froling, who met Cowboys tight end Jason Witten at the SMU-Houston game. "I got to go down to see the Celtics versus Mavs."

Froling is expected to contribute right away at SMU after forwards Markus Kennedy and Jordan Tolbert use up their eligibility this season. His ability to shoot the three and his size at 6-foot-10 will make Froling a unique addition to Larry Brown's roster.