Three former SMU Mustangs standouts are set to make their mark on the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, a showcase that brings together the league’s most promising rookies and free agents. The upcoming stint will see Jaron Pierre Jr., B.J. Edwards and Boopie Miller each join different NBA franchises, turning their college successes into professional opportunities.
Jaron Pierre Jr. entered the NBA through the second round of the draft, landing with the New Orleans Pelicans. In his lone season at SMU he posted averages of 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and a steal per game, while shooting 46.2 percent from the field, 75.8 percent on free throws and 37.0 percent beyond the arc. His defensive contributions earned him a place on the NABC All‑Gulf District Second Team and an honorable mention on the All‑ACC roster, and he helped the Mustangs snap a nine‑year NCAA Tournament drought.
B.J. Edwards, another SMU alumnus, signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings. The guard/forward put up 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game during the 2025‑26 campaign, shooting 47.4 percent overall and 37.2 percent from three‑point range. His perimeter defense was recognized with two ACC All‑Defensive Team selections and an All‑ACC honorable mention, and he capped his college career with a program‑record 83 steals as a junior.
Boopie Miller, the third Mustangs player heading to Vegas, inked a free‑agent deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Over the same season he averaged 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.5 steals, shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three and an impressive 86.6 percent at the free‑throw line. Miller’s clutch pedigree shone through as he drained three game‑winning shots in the final seconds, a feat that helped the Mustangs finish the season strong.
Summer League Outlook
The Summer League schedule places the Pelicans, Kings and Bucks in a competitive field that includes a mix of veteran prospects and international talent. For Pierre Jr., the focus will be on translating his efficient scoring to a faster NBA pace, while Edwards aims to showcase his defensive versatility against quicker backcourts. Miller, known for his poise in crunch time, will look to add a new chapter to his highlight reel as he battles for a roster spot. Coaches and analysts alike are already drawing parallels between the trio’s college achievements and the potential impact they could have in the league’s developmental circuit.