The first day of SMU's fall semester turned out to be quite eventful in terms of basketball news. Oh, and the eclipse, that was also a thing.
All news was good news for the Mustangs, with SMU clearing up some of its final roster-related question marks.
The Mustangs' frontcourt of the future is beginning to take shape, and for the first time in awhile, looks pretty stacked moving forward.
SMU head coach Tim Jankovich announced Monday that Louisville/Georgetown transfer Akoy Agau was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Adam Grosbard of The Dallas Morning News was the first to report.
Agau, who received limited playing time at his previous institutions due to injury and other circumstances, will now be available for SMU through the 2018-2019 season, essentially making this his junior year.
By next season, Agau and Duquense transfer Isiaha Mike will be simultaneously eligible, along with then-sophomores Ethan Chargois and Everett Ray. 3-star forward Jahmar Young, who committed to SMU last week, will also join the fold.
Agau's extra year puts SMU in an interesting situation with regards to recruiting. He will take up a scholarship by staying in Dallas, meaning that Young's commitment brings the Mustangs' player count to 11 for the next two seasons. Per NCAA sanctions, SMU must give up four more scholarships by the end of 2019 -- a roster of 11 keeps the program on track.
Much of this is dependent on whether or not junior guard Shake Milton declares for the NBA draft.
SMU originally planned to recruit two players for their 2018 class, but will now only have room for one if Milton doesn't depart. That one, as of right now, is Jahmar Young.
Jankovich can chance it by continuing to recruit another player for 2018, but could potentially be forced into making a tough personnel decision by doing so.
Either way, SMU's head coach will favor Agau's experience over any freshman. While recruiting has been complicated, putting a winner on the floor has now seemingly become easier.
In other news, South Florida transfer Jahmal McMurray, who committed to SMU in January, is now on campus, as first reported by SMU Scout.com.
A representative with the university confirmed that McMurray is 'on campus' as of last weekend. McMurray had originally planned to enroll at SMU for the summer semester.
Because he left USF in December, McMurray will not be eligible until the spring semester. SMU does have the option to redshirt the point guard like it did with Semi Ojeleye, thereby preserving two years of eligibility. That decision will be made later.
Twitter: @ReeceKelleyG
