This week, Dayton held out transfer Adam Njie Jr. because of NCAA eligibility issues; preseason Big East Freshman of the Year Braylon Mullins (ankle) will miss around six weeks; and three former Eastern Michigan players refused to help the NCAA betting investigation. Other college b-ball news we’re tracking…

Jordan Pope Could Break Out

Since winning 29 games in 2022-23, the Texas Longhorns have been in decline, and really struggled last season, their first in the SEC. Still, this squad has made the NCAA tourney five straight seasons, and while they’ve gotten knocked out earlier and earlier over the last three years, some project this program to rank among the top 25, so things may soon be looking up again.

The key to the Longhorns taking the next step this season may lie in the hands of starting guard Jordan Pope. A transfer from Oregon State last offseason, he didn’t see nearly as much PT in his first season in Texas, and didn’t shoot as well from the field or line. Obviously, this hurt Pope’s scoring numbers, but he has a chance to break out as a senior, and if nothing else, he was damned stoked about making the tourney last season (see video below).

The fact he tied for the team lead with 15 points in Sunday’s loss to TCU in an exhibition game was a great sign. The 6’2”, 175-pound Pope may have struggled with the higher level of play in the SEC, but still made a big impact in Texas and has a chance to sneak into the late second round of the draft next year.

The Oakland native can shoot the rock, although he periodically plays a bit too reckless, leading to turnovers. In fairness, this was much less of an issue in Pope’s debut campaign with the Longhorns.

A Boopie Bounce Back?

Over in the ACC, we’re curious to see if the SMU Mustangs can continue building their program, and perhaps end their eight-year NCAA tourney drought. Just three years ago, SMU scuffled through an awful 10-win campaign, but managed to double that total in 2023-24. Last season, the Mustangs’ debut in the ACC went better than expected as the club racked up 24 victories, driven by an impressive 13-7 conference mark.

This season, SMU will have a young team comprised of lots of newbies: three transfers and five true freshmen to complement three returning starters. Toss in a couple of redshirt freshmen and it’s a real fresh look for a potential bubble team that may surprise. Yes, the Mustangs are a pretty big longshot to take home the ACC regular season title (+2500 as per FanDuel), but do not sleep on this program.

Among the returnees is starting guard Boopie Miller, a senior who will be counted on for a bounce back effort. Last season, his first with the Mustangs, he again saw less PT as his numbers regressed for a second straight time. Of greater concern is the shooting prowess Miller hinted at in his second season at Central Michigan really degraded in his only season at Wake Forest and again last year in his SMU debut.

We’d like to see him get to the line more often, but his career high in assists and improved rebounding work suggests he’s becoming a more well-rounded player so let’s see how that plays out in his senior season.

If you’re playing Fantasy college basketball, consider Miller a top 40 option and if he can stay healthy, he could be a major surprise this season. He certainly looked the part in the exhibition debut, pouring in 20 points with eight dimes, four boards and three steals in a robust 32 minutes of action.

Miller looked like a potential second round pick in the 2025 draft before opting to return for his final season. If he has the bounce back campaign we’re expecting, perhaps he can gain more draft attention in 2026, or at least emerge as an UDFA prospect.

RotoRob Tune of the Day

When Dire Straits formed in London in 1977, they consisted of Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers. In 1995, they released a live album, Live at the BBC (1978-81), which included “What’s the Matter Baby.”

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