Larry Brown scored the biggest victory in his tenure at SMU on Saturday, earning the commitment of the No. 2 point guard and No. 5 overall player in the ESPN 100, Emmanuel Mudiay (Prime Prep/Arlington, Texas).
Mudiay picked SMU over Baylor, Kansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State. He is the highest-rated player to ever choose the Mustangs.
Though the Mustangs haven't made the NCAA tournament since 1993, the chance to play for a Hall of Fame coach and stay close to home were attractive to Mudiay, who announced his decision during ESPNU's telecast of the Under Armour Elite 24.
"I want to do something different," Mudiay said. "The program is changing under Coach Brown and I really believe in him. When he talks with me it's not only about basketball, it's about life after the game: What are my interest outside the game and how I will be able to take care of myself and my family. My dream is to play in the NBA and I feel he can help prepare."
Mudiay is a big, physical guard with excellent vision and strong dribble-penetration skills. He has the potential to become a superior defender.
Mudiay said he plans to recruit other players to SMU.
"I really want to play with good big man; I know [ESPN 100 centers] Elbert Robinson and Myles Turner well. I know Myles does not have SMU on his list but maybe that can change now," Mudiay said.
Brown is the only coach to have won championships at both the college (Kansas, 1988) and pro (Detroit Pistons, 2004) levels.