Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Report: SMU big man has work to do to be eligible for season

Markus Kennedy

SMU could be in trouble if an all-league performer from last year isn’t eligible for the upcoming season.

According to a report from Billy Embody of PonyStampede.com, junior big man Markus Kennedy is currently not up to eligibility standards. SMU head coach Larry Brown admitted that Kennedy has work to do in the classroom to see the floor this season.

“As of today, Markus still has some work to do to meet eligibility standards for competition this season,” Brown said to Embody. “SMU provides great resources for its student-athletes.”

Kennedy was a second-team All-AAC pick last season after averaging 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Mustangs. Brown said that Kennedy is working to get back on track.

“Markus is utilizing [SMU] resources and we expect him to continue to make the progress needed to regain his eligibility and get back on track to earn his degree,” Brown said.

If Kennedy is not able to play this season, Brown told Embody he is confident that SMU will be okay in the front court this season. Senior centers Cannen Cunningham and Yanick Moreira both return and sophomore forward Ben Moore is joined by transfer forwards Justin Martin (Xavier) and Jordan Tolbert (Texas Tech).

“Right now, nothing is final, as eligibility status can change at any point,” Brown said. “Either way, we have a very talented and deep group and are looking forward to the season.”

This is not good news for SMU and if they have point guard Nic Moore and Kennedy, they’ll be one of the top teams in the American this season. Without Kennedy, SMU can probably still put together enough talent to make a postseason run, but it would be difficult.

Follow @phillipshoops