The SMU Mustangs are gearing up for a dramatic transformation, and head coach Adia Barnes is at the heart of it all. But is this a recipe for success or a risky move?
A New Era Dawns in SMU Women's Basketball
Lia Assimakopoulos, reporting for The Dallas Morning News, reveals the insights shared by Coach Barnes at the SMU women's basketball media day. With a fresh coaching staff and a revamped roster, the Mustangs are aiming high, but the path ahead is filled with intrigue.
Coach Barnes, who led her former team, Arizona, to the national championship in 2021, has a unique challenge in the ACC. Her coaching journey has been a whirlwind, moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, and now to the ACC. This transition is significant, as she adapts her strategies from a forward-heavy league to a guard-oriented conference.
"They're a shooting team, and they're learning to love defense," Barnes said, describing her new squad's style of play. But here's where it gets controversial—the Mustangs' preseason ranking sits at 14th out of 18 teams in the ACC. However, Barnes remains unfazed, stating, "We've always been picked low, and we've never finished where we were picked."
The Mustangs' recent history adds context to this bold statement. With just two wins last season and a decade-long absence from the NCAA tournament, the program needed a shake-up. But is this new team a potential dark horse or a work in progress?
Barnes has brought in experienced players, including two guards from Arizona and transfers from powerhouse schools. This veteran presence, she believes, will be a key advantage. But will it be enough to turn things around in a highly competitive conference?
As the Mustangs prepare for their first exhibition game, the basketball world awaits to see if Barnes' vision will translate into on-court success. Will this new era bring SMU women's basketball back to prominence? The journey begins now, and the court will be the ultimate judge.
