SMU's ACC Debut with Coach Andy Enfield and New Roster
- Andy Enfield has been appointed as the new head coach for SMU, transitioning from a successful tenure at Southern Cal.
- The Mustangs are entering the Atlantic Coast Conference with a roster that includes three returning starters and eleven newcomers.
- With a mix of experience and fresh talent, the team aims to compete effectively in the conference and build on their previous success.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is making significant preparations for its debut in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as it transitions from previous conferences where it had established a competing presence. The new head coach, Andy Enfield, previously known for leading Florida Gulf Coast to an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, brings a wealth of experience from his 11 years coaching at Southern Cal. His appointment marks a new era for the Mustangs as they aim to strengthen their competitiveness in a basketball-rich environment. The roster will feature three returning starters who contributed to a respectable 20-win season, including senior guard Chuck Harris, who averaged 13.4 points per game, and junior guard B.J. Edwards, noted for his solid assist-to-turnover ratio. However, the team faces challenges with notable departures, including last season's leading scorer Zhuric Phelps, who transferred to Texas A&M, and leading rebounder Samuell Williamson, who is now playing in Europe, affecting the team's continuity. To address these changes, SMU has welcomed eleven newcomers, highlighted by experienced transfers and promising freshmen. This combination of existing talent and new players provides a unique opportunity for the team to blend experience and youth in developing a competitive edge. The excitement builds as SMU prepares for its season opener against Tarleton and its ACC debut against Virginia, setting the stage for their evolving journey in a new conference. With renewed aspirations, SMU's coaching team and players are ready to embrace the challenge of the ACC, where they will face higher-level competition and aim to make a positive impact. The blend of experienced leadership under Enfield and burgeoning talent promises a thrilling season ahead as they navigate this new chapter in their basketball history.