Basketball

SMU Basketball Honored for Academic Excellence and Prepares for 2026‑27 Season

Mustangs earn NABC awards, spotlight top transfer class, and gear up for marquee non‑conference matchups

The National Association of Basketball Coaches has recognized SMU’s men’s program as a 2025‑26 Team Academic Excellence Award recipient, underscoring the Mustangs’ commitment to scholarship as well as competition.

Academic accolades

Three standout players — Jaron Pierre Jr., Niccolo Kalischer‑Stork and Mitchell Holmes — earned placement on the NABC Honors Court, each maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher while the team posted a collective 3.0 GPA for the academic year.

A season of growth under Andy Enfield

Head coach Andy Enfield enters his third year at the helm, building on a breakthrough season that featured the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017 and a pair of victories over top‑25 opponents.

A loaded transfer class

SMU’s roster will be bolstered by one of the nation’s most highly rated transfer groups, ranked ninth overall and third in the ACC by On3, adding depth and experience heading into the 2026‑27 campaign.

A demanding non‑conference slate

The Mustangs’ schedule features marquee matchups against Oklahoma, DePaul and UNLV, tests that could further elevate their profile before conference play.

ACC Tournament in Greensboro

SMU will also compete in the ACC Tournament March 9‑13 in Greensboro, North Carolina, a venue that has become a focal point for the team’s recent successes.

With a blend of academic distinction and athletic ambition, the Mustangs aim to translate their recent momentum into continued growth on and off the court.

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