NCAA bans SMU from postseason, suspends Larry Brown

The NCAA has come down hard on SMU basketball for infractions including academic misconduct and a "lack of coach control" by Larry Brown. SMU has been hit with a one-year postseason ban and a loss of scholarships over the next three seasons, while Brown will be suspended for nine games this upcoming season, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman. You can read the full report by the NCAA here.

The Mustangs will lose nine scholarships over the next three seasons as part of the penalty. Brown will also have to attend a "regional rules seminar" over the next two years, according to Goodman.

SMU has decided not to appeal the postseason ban or Brown's suspension, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman. The program will appeal the loss of scholarships, recruiting restrictions and the NCAA's decision to force SMU to vacate wins from last season for playing with an ineligible player.

Shooting guard Keith Frazier is reportedly at the center of the NCAA's investigation. Frazier, a former McDonald's All-American, was ruled ineligible for academic misconduct midway through last season. Former assistant Ulric Maligi was also fired at this time for allegedly assisting Frazier with his school work.

SMU returns a talented team this season that would have been in our preseason top 25 countdown. The Mustangs are led by point guard Nic Moore and big man Markus Kennedy. SMU can still appeal the ban.