Top Ranked Guard Emmanuel Mudiay Picks SMU Over Kentucky

When SMU head coach Larry Brown landed 2013 recruit Keith Frazier in the spring, it was most high-profile recruit in the program’s history. That was until last night when, Emmanuel Mudiay, a 6-5 senior point guard at Prime Prep (TX) regarded among the top three in his class, announced during halftime of the Elite 24 game that he’ll be staying close to home for college and attend SMU after seriously considering Kentucky. Landing an All-American for the second straight year, Brown is rising SMU into an elite level. From the Dallas Morning News: “‘Sometimes you just have to shock the world.’ With that one tweet, Emmanuel Mudiay, the nation’s top point guard out of Prime Prep, set the recruiting world on fire as speculation grew that he would be pulling off the ultimate shocker and committing to SMU, a team that hasn’t made the NCAA tournament since 1993, over traditional powerhouses such as Kentucky and Kansas. On Saturday night, Mudiay made it official when he verbally committed to SMU at halftime of the Under Armour Elite 24 game. “I’m going to attend SMU with Coach Larry Brown,” Mudiay announced during a live broadcast on ESPNU. “That’s where my heart’s at. I have real respect for (Brown).” While building something truly special in his hometown certainly played into his decision, Mudiay ultimately sided with the Mustangs for the opportunity to develop under Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown.