SMU Women's Basketball Eyes Hoopfest Challenge
The upcoming Hoopfest Basketball Women’s Challenge will bring together eight competitive programs in a showcase of rising talent, and SMU’s Mustangs are among the participants. The event runs from November 22 through 25 at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Under head coach Adia Barnes, now in her second season, the team has blended a strong returning core with a highly touted recruiting class, setting the stage for a promising campaign.
Key Players to Watch
Zahra King, who erupted for 40 points against Pitt last season, returns as the team’s marquee star and will anchor the offense.
Freshman guard Kinsea Grimes, the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year from Coastal Carolina, adds a dynamic perimeter presence that could prove decisive.
Defensive standout Grace Ezebilo, the CAA Defensive Player of the Year from Charleston, brings a reputation for disrupting opponents’ rhythms.
Transfer forward Theresa Hagans Jr., a recent ACC All‑Freshman Team honoree from Pitt, arrives with a track record of immediate impact.
French forward Adja Kane, another recruit highlighted by Barnes, offers size and versatility that could stretch opposing defenses.
SMU will face Saint Mary’s on November 23 and close out its stint in the tournament against Memphis on November 25, each game taking place at the Comerica Center.
The eight‑team field also includes Arkansas State, North Texas, Old Dominion, Stephen F. Austin, St. Mary’s and Tulsa, ensuring a packed schedule of high‑stakes matchups.
Beyond the individual contests, the tournament serves as a litmus test for a roster that blends fresh talent with proven performers, a combination Barnes believes can elevate the program’s national profile.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Mustangs test their chemistry against a field that promises both challenges and opportunities for growth.