No. 15 SMU is off to a blazing 13-0 start. The Mustangs are one of just two teams left undefeated this season and they are playing every game like its win or go home. With a post season ban in place SMU has one goal... WIN. For senior Markus Kennedy that goal is pretty simply and clear.
"Since we can't go dancing this year I think the goal is to go 31-0, there is no other way to put that. Thirty-one games in the regular season, you have to win them all".
The message from Coach Brown every year has been play for each other and play for the seniors. Kennedy is a senior and finds himself in a role he is still getting used to.
"Now I am the senior and he says play for your seniors and he's looking at me. I don't want to put that pressure on my team but it is cool to know that the guys look up to us."
The new role has given Kennedy a better perspective of what it means to be a leader. He holds himself to a higher standard on and off the court because his teammates are looking up to him. Kennedy wants to not only be a leader, but a warrior as well.
"A warrior down 20 is not going to give up, up 20 I'm going to make sure my team plays the right way. We are going to fight. My whole life that has been what I know and basketball has been my weapon of choice. I am a warrior to the game.”
The Mustangs battle Cincinnati tonight and look to improve to 14-0.