So while SMU might not be a big name program or might not have a ranking next to their name, at the end of the year, I really think we'll look back on them as a "quality opponent." I think it's safe to assume they'll finish well within the RPI Top 100, and maybe even Top 50 if things really start to groove.
So let's look at their lineup. While the Mustangs return 4 starters from last year's squad, they really have a "new look." Part of the reason for this is because of who they added in the offseason. Along with the addition of 5 star, McDonald's All American guard Keith Frazier, SMU welcomes PG Nic Moore, a transfer from Illinois State, JUCO transfer Yanick Moreira, along with three other freshmen. Because of these new additions, guys who played a big role for SMU last year have seen their roles diminish a bit. On account of this, they're a much deeper, more balanced unit than last year's 15-17 team.
PG: Nic Moore 5'9 170lbs
| SEASON | TEAM | MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 2013-14 | SMU | 31.2 | 4.3-8.0 | .542 | 2.5-4.7 | .536 | 1.7-2.2 | .769 | 3.0 | 5.3 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.8 | 12.8 |
Likely one of the best guards we'll face all year. He definitely has the potential to take a game over if he's feeling it. quick first step. Likes to make something happen quickly, either for himself or a teammate. This can lead to some quick-hitter opportunities, but it also leads to some forced shots and turnovers. Good shooter. Creates for himself, but can also come off screens and get his shot off quick. He might use his quickness to try and get Perrantes in some foul trouble. They'll set a lot of screens for him.
Bottom line: their offense really revolves around him. Even though their specialty is in the paint, I don't see them winning many games without him playing well. While there are more experienced guys who have been around the program longer, Moore is really their leader, at least on the court. He'll be a very tough assignment.
Bottom line: their offense really revolves around him. Even though their specialty is in the paint, I don't see them winning many games without him playing well. While there are more experienced guys who have been around the program longer, Moore is really their leader, at least on the court. He'll be a very tough assignment.
SG: Nick Russell 6'4 210
| SEASON | TEAM | MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 2013-14 | SMU | 29.8 | 2.7-6.5 | .410 | 0.7-2.7 | .250 | 2.7-3.2 | .842 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 8.7 |
One of just two seniors, Russell transferred from Kansas State and started last year, leading the team in scoring alongside Jalen Jones. Where he's most dangerous is on the break, or cutting off a screen towards the basket.Doesn't have great lateral quickness on defense, but uses his size to make up for some of that, and is actually a fairly solid defender. Not a great shooter, but certainly capable if you leave him open. Was the team's leading scorer last season, but seems to have seen his role diminish a bit with SMU's offseason additions. I think he'll likely get the assignment of covering Harris for most of the game. His role is essentially to use his experience to settle down this young team and provide steady play at both ends.
SG: Ryan Manuel 6'4 185lbs
| SEASON | TEAM | MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 2013-14 | SMU | 22.0 | 1.7-3.0 | .556 | 0.2-0.2 | 1.000 | 2.0-3.0 | .667 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 5.5 |
Long on defense, but not very quick laterally. Also, like Russell, he has seen his production drop with the added depth. Will see some minutes at point as well when Moore is out of the game (Virginia will look to capitalize here). Takes most of his shots driving to the basket. His role seems to be one of protecting the ball and limiting mistakes. He isn't really asked to produce much offensively, but as his numbers from last year show, he's capable to do some damage if UVA lets its guard down.
PF: Markus Kennedy 6'9 245lbs
| SEASON | TEAM | MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 2013-14 | SMU | 19.0 | 3.3-6.8 | .488 | 0.0-0.0 | .000 | 2.5-4.2 | .600 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 9.2 |
Villanova transfer. Big, strong, physical in the mold of Richard Howell. Active on the glass, strong with the ball in the post, and can really finish with contact. Like Howell, you just have to prevent him from getting into a rhythm. Can't let him get comfortable in the paint or else he could dominate. I think he's more physical and persistent than he is talented, so if Mitchell and Atkins play solid defense, they can potentially frustrate him.
C: Yanick Moreira 6'11 220lbs
| SEASON | TEAM | MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 2013-14 | SMU | 20.0 | 4.2-7.5 | .556 | 0.0-0.0 | .000 | 3.3-4.5 | .741 | 7.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 11.7 |
Likely a future NBA player. Very polished offensively. Good rebounder and defender. Finishes very well around the rim. Want to force him left. If you give him a chance to use his right, he's gonna make it. It'll be interesting to see him play some legitimate size. He has been more or less dominant thus far, but most have his opponents have simply been overmatched.
As a team, they really like to slash off screens and penetrate into the lane. Ideally they'd like to get quick hitters in transition, but I don't think they'll get many of those against Virginia. I expect UVA to make it a game decided in the halfcourt. This isn't all bad for SMU, though, as they have very good size and talent in the frontcourt. While they might rather run, they're certainly capable playing a halfcourt game on both ends of the floor. As I've mentioned, they're big, but I still think Virginian can outrebound them. The activity of guys like Mitchell and Atkins is likely something they haven't seen before. Thus far, they've gotten most of their rebounds simply because of their size advantages. They won't have that luxury tonight, and I think UVA is a much more disciplined team on the glass. I think the biggest factors in this game is how Virginia handles Nic Moore and how SMU defends. Even if Moore isn't scoring a ton or shooting particularly well, he is still dangerous to UVA's gameplan. Especially with the new foul rules, Virginia is vulnerable to quick guards like Moore. If he can penetrate and break down the packline, it will give bigs like Moreira and Kennedy more room to operate.
As far as SMU's defense, they have been solid thus far, but they haven't seen a team as deep as talented as Virginia's yet. I don't expect them to be overwhelmed, but it will be interesting to see how their depth stacks up against Virginia's. Ulimately, while both teams are certainly deep, I think UVA's depth is a little more developed than SMU's. Remember, they're a really young team that will rely on a couple of key freshmen and sophomores.
Bench:
SG: Keith Frazier 6'5 190 Freshman
Obviously a highly talented player, as most 5 star recruits are. That said, he's still struggling to find his role on this deep team. The one thing Virginia will look to prevent is him going off from deep. Right now, that's really his biggest asset, though he's 2-13 in the past three games after a 4-9 start. Turnovers are an issue. I think there's a good chance he'll struggle against the size and strength of UVA's guards, particularly Brogdon and Anderson.
SG: Keith Frazier 6'5 190 Freshman
Obviously a highly talented player, as most 5 star recruits are. That said, he's still struggling to find his role on this deep team. The one thing Virginia will look to prevent is him going off from deep. Right now, that's really his biggest asset, though he's 2-13 in the past three games after a 4-9 start. Turnovers are an issue. I think there's a good chance he'll struggle against the size and strength of UVA's guards, particularly Brogdon and Anderson.
C: Cannen Cunningham 6'10 225
Very solid upside, but struggles to see playing time because of foul trouble and the talent of the other SMU bigs. Personally, on film, I think he deserves more run, but again, sometimes Brown is forced to sit him because of fouls. Virginia should look to make that happen tonight. Still, even though he only sees a few minutes in a game, those minutes are usually productive ones. He has been very efficient thus far.
PF: Ben Moore 6'8 Freshman
Long, thin, and athletic but still seems to be developing both physically and skill wise. There's a little bit of Darion in his game. His production tends to come from others creating opportunities for him rather than him taking matters into his own hands. Bright upside, but I wouldn't expect too much from the freshman.
F:Shawn Williams 6'7 230
Starts most games, but typically gets bench minutes. Another big that provides some nice depth on both ends. Fairly consistent in his production. Not likely to go off, but is usually good for a few shots in the paint and some rebounds.
Very solid upside, but struggles to see playing time because of foul trouble and the talent of the other SMU bigs. Personally, on film, I think he deserves more run, but again, sometimes Brown is forced to sit him because of fouls. Virginia should look to make that happen tonight. Still, even though he only sees a few minutes in a game, those minutes are usually productive ones. He has been very efficient thus far.
PF: Ben Moore 6'8 Freshman
Long, thin, and athletic but still seems to be developing both physically and skill wise. There's a little bit of Darion in his game. His production tends to come from others creating opportunities for him rather than him taking matters into his own hands. Bright upside, but I wouldn't expect too much from the freshman.
F:Shawn Williams 6'7 230
Starts most games, but typically gets bench minutes. Another big that provides some nice depth on both ends. Fairly consistent in his production. Not likely to go off, but is usually good for a few shots in the paint and some rebounds.
SF: Sterling Brown 6'6 Freshman
As a team, they really like to slash off screens and penetrate into the lane. Ideally they'd like to get quick hitters in transition, but I don't think they'll get many of those against Virginia. I expect UVA to make it a game decided in the halfcourt. This isn't all bad for SMU, though, as they have very good size and talent in the frontcourt. While they might rather run, they're certainly capable playing a halfcourt game on both ends of the floor. As I've mentioned, they're big, but I still think Virginian can outrebound them. The activity of guys like Mitchell and Atkins is likely something they haven't seen before. Thus far, they've gotten most of their rebounds simply because of their size advantages. They won't have that luxury tonight, and I think UVA is a much more disciplined team on the glass. I think the biggest factors in this game is how Virginia handles Nic Moore and how SMU defends. Even if Moore isn't scoring a ton or shooting particularly well, he is still dangerous to UVA's gameplan. Especially with the new foul rules, Virginia is vulnerable to quick guards like Moore. If he can penetrate and break down the packline, it will give bigs like Moreira and Kennedy more room to operate.
As far as SMU's defense, they have been solid thus far, but they haven't seen a team as deep as talented as Virginia's yet. I don't expect them to be overwhelmed, but it will be interesting to see how their depth stacks up against Virginia's. Ulimately, while both teams are certainly deep, I think UVA's depth is a little more developed than SMU's. Remember, they're a really young team that will rely on a couple of key freshmen and sophomores.
Matchups:
London Perrantes 6'1 189 - Nic Moore 5'9 170
-Obviously an important matchup. Moore is a very tough assignment for the freshman Perrantes. The key for London will be to keep Moore in front of him. If he drains a couple shots over the top, there's not much you can do about it, but you just cannot let him penetrate. If that happens it will allow SMU's bigs to go to work, which means nothing but bad news for Virginia. London should be able to play his game offensively. Moore plays good fundamental defense but isn't exactly Briante Weber. London shouldn't have much trouble protecting the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Malcolm Brogdon 6'5 217 - Ryan Manuel 6'4 185
-This matchup is heavily in Virginia's favor. Manuel is a solid player, but Brogdon is likely a bit much for him to handle. I'd look for Malcolm to play aggressively and try and get to the rim. Manuel simply isn't quick or strong enough to provide much resistance.
Joe Harris 6'6 225 - Nick Russell 6'4 210
-Russell will do his best to slow down a suddenly hot Joe Harris. If Joe's shot is like it was on Tuesday, there's nothing Russell can really do. I think Joe will try and make Russell play for the deep ball, and use some shotfakes to get to the rim. Ultimately, even Joe would rather his shots come inside than out. Given SMU's frontcourt, I think Joe will realize he needs to create for himself a bit to take some of the pressure off guys like Tobey and Gill. Look for him and Brogdon to be assertive with the ball in their hands. On the other end, Russell is a good matchup for Joe. I think he'll be able to find some points within the flow of the game, but I don't expect him to go off or anything. I expect Joe to eliminate the drive, maybe help a bit on Moore, and make Russell prove he can knock shots down.
Akil Mitchell 6'8 235 - Markus Kennedy 6'9 245
-Akil has yet to play to his potential this season. While he has had good games, we're still looking for a complete performance like he had so many of last year, which led to his All ACC nomination. I want to see him find his groove defensively, and I think this is a great chance for him to make a statement. Kennedy will provide a challenge for Mitchell on both ends of the floor. On offense, he'll try and use his strength to bully Akil and draw some fouls. On defense, he'll make Akil earn his shots and try and prevent the easy ones he has a knack for finding. This will be a tough test for Mitchell, but he's had plenty of those before. Hopefully, his experience shows.
Mike Tobey 6'11 253 - Yanick Moreira 6'11 220
London Perrantes 6'1 189 - Nic Moore 5'9 170
-Obviously an important matchup. Moore is a very tough assignment for the freshman Perrantes. The key for London will be to keep Moore in front of him. If he drains a couple shots over the top, there's not much you can do about it, but you just cannot let him penetrate. If that happens it will allow SMU's bigs to go to work, which means nothing but bad news for Virginia. London should be able to play his game offensively. Moore plays good fundamental defense but isn't exactly Briante Weber. London shouldn't have much trouble protecting the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Malcolm Brogdon 6'5 217 - Ryan Manuel 6'4 185
-This matchup is heavily in Virginia's favor. Manuel is a solid player, but Brogdon is likely a bit much for him to handle. I'd look for Malcolm to play aggressively and try and get to the rim. Manuel simply isn't quick or strong enough to provide much resistance.
Joe Harris 6'6 225 - Nick Russell 6'4 210
-Russell will do his best to slow down a suddenly hot Joe Harris. If Joe's shot is like it was on Tuesday, there's nothing Russell can really do. I think Joe will try and make Russell play for the deep ball, and use some shotfakes to get to the rim. Ultimately, even Joe would rather his shots come inside than out. Given SMU's frontcourt, I think Joe will realize he needs to create for himself a bit to take some of the pressure off guys like Tobey and Gill. Look for him and Brogdon to be assertive with the ball in their hands. On the other end, Russell is a good matchup for Joe. I think he'll be able to find some points within the flow of the game, but I don't expect him to go off or anything. I expect Joe to eliminate the drive, maybe help a bit on Moore, and make Russell prove he can knock shots down.
Akil Mitchell 6'8 235 - Markus Kennedy 6'9 245
-Akil has yet to play to his potential this season. While he has had good games, we're still looking for a complete performance like he had so many of last year, which led to his All ACC nomination. I want to see him find his groove defensively, and I think this is a great chance for him to make a statement. Kennedy will provide a challenge for Mitchell on both ends of the floor. On offense, he'll try and use his strength to bully Akil and draw some fouls. On defense, he'll make Akil earn his shots and try and prevent the easy ones he has a knack for finding. This will be a tough test for Mitchell, but he's had plenty of those before. Hopefully, his experience shows.
Mike Tobey 6'11 253 - Yanick Moreira 6'11 220
Fun matchup of two really talented, but different bigs. Both players are very dangerous offensively. They can both score in a number of ways. Moreira is more athletic, where Tobey is more polished/skilled. I anticipate that Mike is excited to be able to show off the work he's done in the weightroom against a thinner opponent. Usually, he's on the wrong end of a strength disadvantage, but this time, he'll be the one who will try to impose his size on Moreira. Mike struggled last time out against Hampton, so I expect to see him play with a fire and reclaim his status as one of the most talented bigs in the country. He'll need to play his best on defense, however, as Moreira too will be looking to impress whatever scouts may be watching/in attendance. The key here will be making Yanick work. His athleticism leads him to get a bunch of easy looks. If that happens, Virginia will be in trouble. Tobey must use his size and experience playing quality bigs to make sure that if Moreira is gonna score, he's going to have to earn it.
As far as the bench goes, while both teams will go about 9 deep, there are a few key guys who could make real impacts on the game. For Virginia, look for Anthony Gill (6'8 235) and Darion Atkins (6'8 230) to continue their solid play off the bench. Gill won't have as much of a strength advantage as he's used to, but he's still good enough to play well regardless. Atkins has the opportunity to frustrate SMU's bigs on both ends and make them earn their shots and rebounds. He's had a positive impact in just about every game thus far, and I expect more of the same from Darion tonight. The other main guy off the bench for UVA will be Justin Anderson. I really think he could be the difference, especially if he plays like he did Tuesday. Simply put, while SMU is very deep, they don't have a Justin Anderson. He's too big for their guards, and too athletic for their bigs. Look for him to make himself known on both ends.
While Shawn Williams might start, for all intents and purposes, it's best to consider Markus Kennedy the starting PF for SMU. The other main contributors off the bench for the Mustangs are Keith Frazier, Ben Moore, Cannen Cunningham, and Sterling Brown. The freshmen Frazier and Moore are the biggest concerns. Ultimately, however, if SMU is going to win this game, I think it will be because of the play of Nic Moore, Yanick Moreira, Nick Russell, and Markus Kennedy. They'll need their bench to be solid, but realistically, I don't think they can rely on those guys the same way Virginia can with their bench.
While SMU is a very good team, capable of beating many teams, this is a game Virginia should be expected to win. Bennett's team should be able to dictate the pace and frustrate the Mustangs. UVA should be much more prepared for anything SMU can throw its way, while SMU will have to make some significant adjustments. That said, if guys like Nic Moore, Markus Kennedy, and Yanick Moreira play well, SMU will definitely have a chance to win. Virginia has come out sluggish the past couple of games before eventually pulling away. They will not be able to afford that effort tonight. If UVA plays close to their abilities, there won't be much SMU can do about it, outside of shooting uncharacteristically well from the outside. But if Virginia struggles, Larry Brown & Co. will make the Hoos pay.
All in all, while it may not be a marquis matchup like some of the ones going on at Disney or Atlantis, this should still be a really entertaining game between two teams expected to be dancing in March.
As far as the bench goes, while both teams will go about 9 deep, there are a few key guys who could make real impacts on the game. For Virginia, look for Anthony Gill (6'8 235) and Darion Atkins (6'8 230) to continue their solid play off the bench. Gill won't have as much of a strength advantage as he's used to, but he's still good enough to play well regardless. Atkins has the opportunity to frustrate SMU's bigs on both ends and make them earn their shots and rebounds. He's had a positive impact in just about every game thus far, and I expect more of the same from Darion tonight. The other main guy off the bench for UVA will be Justin Anderson. I really think he could be the difference, especially if he plays like he did Tuesday. Simply put, while SMU is very deep, they don't have a Justin Anderson. He's too big for their guards, and too athletic for their bigs. Look for him to make himself known on both ends.
While Shawn Williams might start, for all intents and purposes, it's best to consider Markus Kennedy the starting PF for SMU. The other main contributors off the bench for the Mustangs are Keith Frazier, Ben Moore, Cannen Cunningham, and Sterling Brown. The freshmen Frazier and Moore are the biggest concerns. Ultimately, however, if SMU is going to win this game, I think it will be because of the play of Nic Moore, Yanick Moreira, Nick Russell, and Markus Kennedy. They'll need their bench to be solid, but realistically, I don't think they can rely on those guys the same way Virginia can with their bench.
While SMU is a very good team, capable of beating many teams, this is a game Virginia should be expected to win. Bennett's team should be able to dictate the pace and frustrate the Mustangs. UVA should be much more prepared for anything SMU can throw its way, while SMU will have to make some significant adjustments. That said, if guys like Nic Moore, Markus Kennedy, and Yanick Moreira play well, SMU will definitely have a chance to win. Virginia has come out sluggish the past couple of games before eventually pulling away. They will not be able to afford that effort tonight. If UVA plays close to their abilities, there won't be much SMU can do about it, outside of shooting uncharacteristically well from the outside. But if Virginia struggles, Larry Brown & Co. will make the Hoos pay.
All in all, while it may not be a marquis matchup like some of the ones going on at Disney or Atlantis, this should still be a really entertaining game between two teams expected to be dancing in March.
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