George W. Bush Gave The SMU Basketball Team A Pre-Tourney Pep Talk
11 years ago

George W Bush Gave The SMU Basketball Team A Pre-Tourney Pep Talk

On Sunday, SMU clinched their first tournament berth since 1993 despite having an amazing season last year and finishing in the top 25, but I digress. While UConn fans rained out chants of “overrated,” Larry Brown’s squad swiftly and efficiently took down the Huskies to claim the AAC Championship and ensure that there would be no snub this season. They were rewarded with a sixth seed and the UCLA Bruins on Thursday.

Two of SMU’s biggest fans are George W. Bush and his wife, Laura. Throughout the season, they are frequent visitors to Moody Coliseum on gameday. Before the team practiced on Monday, W stopped by to give the guys a little motivational talk as the prepare to take on one of Larry Brown’s former squads.

From ESPN:

Former President George W. Bush visited SMU on Monday, congratulating the Mustangs on their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1993.

Bush spent a few minutes in their locker room before practice. He said he was able to talk to his favorite team, calling them “the mighty Mustangs.”

Jennifer Lindgren from CBS in DFW was able to snap a pic of the fearless former president before the pep talk.

Supposedly there is a video of the talk. I have yet to find it, but dammit I will keep trying. If he can fire the boys up, I’ll be watching it each morning before work for a little pick me up.

George W. won’t be filling out a bracket this year, but he does have a hot sports take on this year’s SMU team.

“On the other hand, I do know a good team. They’ve got a good team, care for each other, they play hard,” he said. “I told them it’s the hottest ticket in Dallas it seems like right now, and it’s fun to watch them. I really do wish them all the best.”

With SMU having a chip on their shoulder and the Bush family’s support, it’s hard to imagine them not making a surprise run in this year’s tourney. Pony up.

[via ESPN]

  2. SharkWeekTFM

    It’s like when former Secretary of State candidate Scooby Doo went to give a talk to the Harlem Globe Trotters before they won the Hollapalooza.

    11 years ago at 2:50 pm
  3. Theta_Theta

    “George W. will not be filling out a bracket this year”

    Take notes Barrack

    11 years ago at 2:52 pm
    1. Fraterick_Swayze

      Don’t you want to see Barack put all four one seeds in the final four?

      11 years ago at 5:01 pm
    1. Nyle Quil

      Good pick. My final four sleeper this year is Michigan state. I think they can beat Villanova

      11 years ago at 4:01 pm
      1. starsandstripes94

        I like MSU over Georgia, but I’ll be very surprised if they get past UVA. That will depend a lot on how healthy Justin Anderson is for the Cavs.

        11 years ago at 4:11 pm