SMU fan take on the game/their team:
It will probably be the most electric atmosphere we've had in recent memory - new (updated) arena, first home game in new conference against perennial powerhouse UConn. Game has been sold out for weeks, so I hope we have some visitors at this one (I'm looking at you Myles Turner!)
I watched the UConn/UH game and the SMU/Cincy game earlier this week. SMU's biggest weakness is lack of slashers other than PG Nic Moore. SMU settles for a lot of outside jumpers with Nick Russell and Keith Frazier. Our post play (both offensively and defensively) is our biggest strength, especially when Kennedy and Moreira play together. Kennedy is a bruiser, uses his big body to make space for low post game. He's a transfer from 'Nova, and is like a poor-man's Charles Barkley. Moreira is longer and leaner, a shotblocker, but offensively has yet to find his game. He is weak with the ball in his hands and puts it on the floor too much as opposed to just using his wingspan to his advantage. I anticipate a lot of slaps leading to steals.
Nic Moore makes this team go - he is lights out from deep (aside from the Cincy game!) and can run the break and create his own shot. He probably had his worst game all season against Cincy. On D, we bring in Ryan Manual to try and neutralize opposing scorers, as well as cannen Cunningham. Shawn Williams (UT transfer) has been getting a lot of minutes lately, but for the life of me I cannot figure out why. Dude is soft and kind of a 'tweener. Other bench payers include freshmen Ben Moore and Sterling Brown - both Chicago kids. They are still developing but play solid minutes for us when we need them.
LB likes to slow the game down, work the post, and work inside out. As long as Kennedy / Moreira stay out of foul trouble (which has been an issue for Moreira), we should be okay on tempo.
I see a close game coming down to who can make open shots when they get 'em.
