Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that Emmanuel Mudiay, the top combo guard in the incoming freshman class of 2014 — who is slated to play for legendary coach Larry Bown at SMU in the fall, is considering playing overseas, potentially the Chinese Basketball Association, due to ineligibility concerns. More from Yahoo Sports:
The nation’s No. 1 high school guard, Southern Methodist University signee Emmanuel Mudiay of Dallas, has been considering hiring an agent and taking a job playing overseas next season, sources told Yahoo Sports.
No decision has yet been reached on how Muiday will proceed, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Mudiay, an explosive 6-foot-5 guard, has been projected as a lottery pick in the 2015 NBA draft. The Chinese Basketball Association has been discussed as a possible destination for Mudiay, a native of the Congo.
Mudiay has had ongoing conversations with SMU coach Larry Brown and university officials about his ability to become academically eligible to play his freshman year, sources told Yahoo Sports. Mudiay has wanted to play for the Hall of Fame coach at his hometown school, but there are concerns about the NCAA clearing him to play for the 2014-15 season, sources said.
Mudiay attended Prime Prep Academy in Dallas.
UPDATE: Emmanuel Mudiay has confirmed to CBS Sports that he will in fact forgo college and play professionally abroad next season. The statement reads:
“After sitting down with coach [Larry] Brown and my family, we decided that the best way for me to provide for my mom was to forgo college and pursue professional basketball opportunities,” the statement read. “I was excited about going to SMU and playing college basketball for coach Brown and his staff and preparing for the NBA, but I was tired of seeing my mom stuggle. I am grateful for coach Brown’s guidance and support and I am also appreciative of all the support from Prime Prep.”
