Adam Grosbard, SMU beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered questions about the Mustangs and American Athletic Conference during a recent live chat. Here are some highlights:

How much will it hurt SMU hoops to have so few returning players on the court this year?

Grosbard: It's going to be a rebuilding year for this team. Rebuilding could still mean competitive, but with so much youth on the roster it's going to take some time for the Mustangs to really find their strive. It's not like SMU lost some slouches after last season -- Semi Ojeleye and Sterling Brown are in the NBA and Ben Moore is in the G-League. That's going to take some work to replace.

If Shake Milton isn't the best player in the AAC -- who is?

Grosbard: Give me UConn guard Jalen Adams. He's a versatile point man who can score or distribute. The kind of guy you want leading your offense.

Was SMU basketball ranked too low (4th) in the AAC preseason poll?

Grosbard: I don't think so. With all the new players on the roster, it's honestly a sign of respect for SMU to put them at fourth. Maybe you could slide SMU above UCF to No. 3 but Cincinnati and Wichita State are really good teams.

Scouting report on Akoy Agau - what are his strengths and how much will he impact SMU basketball this year?

Grosbard: He's a banger in the post. SMU expects him to provide a lot of defense and rebounding and provide the kind of paint presence that SMU did not have last season, when Semi Ojeleye and Ben Moore frequently had to play "center". Akoy is a Georgetown transfer via Louisville. He chose SMU because of the playing opportunity and because of how Ojeleye developed while at SMU. He strikes you as intelligent when you talk to him.

SMU didn't crack today's preseason USA Today top 25 but got votes. By when, if at all this season, do you see the Stangs making that list?

Grosbard: If it's going to happen, SMU will likely have to make a serious run through the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas Thanksgiving week. That's the best chance to rally together enough big wins to garner national attention.

View the entire chat.