Ben Emelogu II

Classroom

Ben Emelogu II graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Performance Leadership with a minor in Sport Management in May 2017. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Sport Management.

Character

Prior to the start of the 2016-17 season, the coaches viewed the team as having six starters. After a discussion about rotating starters each game, Ben Emelogu II came forward and offered to come off the bench to help the team. He had earned a starting spot but felt it was best for the team. His selfless decision helped propel SMU to a school-record 30 wins, AAC regular season and tournament titles. He was also rewarded with the AAC Sixth Man of the Year award.

Emelogu has also overcome multiple injuries to help SMU win the 2014-15 and 2016-17 AAC championships. During his first season at SMU (2014-15), he dislocated a finger and didn’t miss any time. After that season, he had a scope surgery to clean the knee out. After healing and going through summer workouts, he reinjured the same knee prior to the 2015-16 season. After being cleared to return about two weeks later, he started having extreme pain shooting down his leg and was diagnosed with a back injury that sidelined him for three months and caused him to redshirt the entire 2015-16 season. He continued to do an outstanding job taking care of his body in the training room and weight room. His diligence paid off as he was able to play in every game during the 2016-17 season.

Community

Emelogu has been involved in several outreach efforts. He helped distribute Thanksgiving turkeys and food at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. He has volunteered at Roark Elementary School, reading to students and talking about the value of education. He also spent time with Best Buddies Texas, which offers one-on-one friendship and leadership. In the fall of 2016, he participated in Together We Ball, an outreach program with Dallas Police, Pastors and Community Leaders in a friendly game of basketball for community building.

Competition

The 2016-17 American Athletic Conference Sixth Man Of The Year, Emelogu played in all 35 games, averaging 4.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The Mustangs won the AAC regular season and tournament championships en route to the NCAA Tournament. SMU finished No. 11 in the final Associated Press poll. He also played every game in 2014-15 when the Mustangs also won the AAC regular season and tournament championships. He is part of the SMU starting lineup this season.