After three wins in Canada, SMU Basketball returns home to Dallas with a somewhat better idea of who they are. We didn't get to see much of these games, so we'll keep this quick. Here's three things we learned on the Mustangs' tour up north:
1. Ben Emelogu looks like a new man
What a couple of days for senior guard Ben Emelogu. After battling injury for two years, Gu appears to have his confidence back and looks primed for a breakout season. He's been an afterthought for most of his time in Dallas, but was anything but on this tour. Gu posted 17 points in SMU's final game against Team M.A.D.E. on 54 percent shooting (6-for-11, 4-for-7 3FG%). The three-point stroke has been there, the defense has been there, and on top of that, Gu looked more aggressive and athletic than ever, finding ways to contribute offensively on the interior. We're not sure what's in the water, but Gu needs to keep drinking that water.
2. Jimmy Whitt isn't as bad of a shooter as he thinks he is
That three-point form isn't smooth and could use some work, but did prove to be effective in Canada. On the perimeter, Whitt picked his spots nicely for the entire tour. We were more impressed with his mid-range game, however. He was really effective from within 15 feet with both his floater and jump shot. He also has a knack for going right to the basket, which makes that pull up shot harder to defend. Overall, a very solid tour from the Arkansas transfer. If Whitt ever gets his shooting to where he wants it to be, oh boy.
3. These freshman have promise
This was our first look at SMU's freshman playing with the veterans, and for this early on, the chemistry they already have is encouraging. Lots of learning still happening. There were lot's of "do it myself" type moments during the tour -- the Mustangs' FG to assist ratio was much lower than normal. And that's okay, for now. It's a sign that SMU now has more athletic playmakers than it had seasons ago -- guys who can get the job done solo when need be.
-- Ethan Chargois put together a nice performance against McGill before rolling his ankle at Ryerson. No new updates regarding his status.
-- Everett Ray did the least scoring of any newcomer during the tour, but was a rebound monster. Ray grabbed 17 boards against Team M.A.D.E.
-- Elijah Landrum became more involved as the tour went on, scoring 11 points in SMU's final game.
-- William Douglas was quiet on the tour, other than a few nice drives to the basket. He did not score in SMU's final game and didn't contribute like one would expect from a high-percentage shooter. After running the show in high school, he'll need more time to adjust.
