Jaron Pierre Jr. of SMU was picked 58th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2026 NBA Draft. His standout season helped lead the Mustangs back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. Pierre averaged 17.6 points and was recognized with All-Gulf District Second Team honors and All-ACC Honorable Mention. He is the first SMU player selected in the NBA Draft since Shake Milton in 2018 and is among nine players drafted under head coach Andy Enfield. The Mustangs notably achieved two top-25 wins during the season and earned a national ranking for the first time in nine years.

By the Numbers
  • Pierre averaged 17.6 points (7th in ACC) and 4.9 rebounds per game.
  • He made 2.4 three-pointers per game (11th in ACC) with a shooting percentage of 37.0% from beyond the arc.
State of Play
  • SMU made a return to the NCAA Tournament, marking a significant turnaround in their basketball program.
  • Pierre Jr. is the latest success story, highlighting head coach Enfield's ability to develop NBA talent.
What's Next

Pierre Jr. will begin his NBA career with the Pelicans, where he will aim to adapt to the professional level quickly. His performance could influence team strategies and roster decisions going forward, as he seeks to make an immediate impact.

Bottom Line

Pierre Jr.'s selection in the NBA Draft signifies a new chapter for SMU basketball, showcasing the program's resurgence and potential for producing top-tier talent. His journey also emphasizes the effectiveness of coach Andy Enfield's recruitment and development strategies.