Incoming SMU all-world point guard Emmanuel Mudiay has opted for a professional deal overseas instead of joining Larry Brown’s revival in Dallas. The 6’5″, 190-pound local product was No. 5 in the 2014 ESPN 100 and is considered to be a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
His surprising decision to play for the resurgent Mustangs was lauded as a program-changing move for Brown, but he will now sign a professional contract, likely just for one year.
“He’s the most special point guard I’ve ever seen at that age,” Brown told ESPN on Monday. “He plays the right way, and God has given him incredible gifts. We all know [the NBA is] a point guard’s league.”
Mudiay cited financial concerns for his family when explaining his decision, saying, “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 struggle,” Mudiay’s brother, Stephane, said in quotes his brother provided to SI.com.
He becomes the biggest prep name since Brandon Jennings to forego college in favor of professional hoops overseas.
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[ESPN.com]
Photo Courtesy: McDonald’s All-American Game
