SMU basketball secured one of the nation’s most prolific scorers Monday night as Jacksonville State transfer Jaron Pierre Jr., the 2024-25 Conference USA Player of the Year, committed to the Mustangs. Pierre, who averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, chose Andy Enfield’s program over Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Auburn, delivering a blow to multiple SEC contenders.
Recruitment Battle
Kentucky initially emerged as a suitor, with head coach Mark Pope flying to Dallas in early April to meet Pierre in person. However, the Wildcats shifted focus to Sam Houston State’s Lamar Wilkerson, leaving SMU to fend off late pushes from John Calipari’s Arkansas and Bruce Pearl’s Auburn. Pierre’s decision solidifies SMU’s backcourt as the Mustangs prepare for their second ACC season, while Arkansas continues to miss on high-profile targets like Keyshawn Hall and Morez Johnson.
Scoring Machine
The 6’5” guard dominated at Jacksonville State, playing 37.6 minutes per game and topping 40 minutes in nine contests. His shooting splits (42.4% FG, 38.2% 3PT, 81% FT) and 777 total points ranked fourth nationally, making him the highest-scoring transfer SMU has landed since Enfield’s arrival. Pierre’s durability and shot creation address critical needs for a Mustangs team that struggled with consistency in 2024-25.
SMU’s Vision
Enfield, who previously developed NBA guards at USC, plans to feature Pierre as a centerpiece in an uptempo offense tailored to his three-level scoring. The Mustangs now boast a core capable of contending for an NCAA Tournament berth, pairing Pierre with returning guards Zhuric Phelps and Denver Anglin.
Ripple Effects
The commitment leaves Kentucky fully invested in securing Lamar Wilkerson, while Arkansas turns attention to South Carolina’s Nick Pringle and Florida State’s Malique Ewin. For SMU, Pierre’s arrival signals ambition in a strengthened ACC, where the Mustangs aim to surpass last season’s 18-14 record.
Pierre’s NBA Draft eligibility remains unresolved—he has until May 28 to withdraw—but his immediate focus will be acclimating to SMU’s system ahead of summer workouts.
