Will MSU Fans be Raving about Ravern?

Every season I tend to get excited about at least one incoming freshman. I've personally been waiting for about three years now to see Ravern Johnson adorn the maroon and white. After following his high school career, I see Ravern making a impact on the outcome of 07-08 season. Rick commented recently on Ravern, "All 4 freshmen will contribute in different ways but, especially Ravern Johnson, he has some work to do, most kids out of high school are weak, can't rebound and defend, but he can flat out shoot." We all know that the backbone of Rick's championship teams is rebounding and man to man defense. I think in the pre SEC Ravern provides an "offensive spark plug" off the bench early. If his defense improves he could break the lineup come January. Look for Ravern to be in the game late if he can mirror his 91 % FT from the stripe he shot in high school. I feel that Ravern can improve his strength and ability to play defense, but its tougher to teach shooting. Ravern will bring a marksman's shooting mentality this season. So, will MSU fans be raving about Ravern? I think so, and it can't happen soon enough.

Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Scotty and Romero Video

Here is some good video from the 2007 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. Scotty plays for the Midstate Ballerz 17s and Romero for the Southeast Elite 17s. Check out Scotty's Friday game, he had nice game with 32 points.

http://www.bobgibbons.net/index.php?/weblog/article/2007_toc_live_video_stream/

James 2:22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

Schedule Info

UK at MSU 1/15 ESPN 9 PM
UM at MSU 1/26 Fox Sports TBA

MSU at UM 2/20 TBA

This info is based on the release of UM and KY schedule, our schedule has not yet been released. Starting in late August/early September, I will be breaking a team down each day on our schedule.

Psalm 40:10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

Scotty being Scotty at the AAU National Championships

Scotty Hopson scored 32 points in a 84-73 loss to the D1 Greyhounds. Scotty's team comes up short, but ends the summer on a good note and has his senior season to look forward to. I'll be posting all updates on Scotty between now and the early signing period in November.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Jamont Gordon - A Point Guard Trapped in a Linebacker’s Body

Jamont Gordon isn’t your average size point guard, but then again he’s not your average basketball player either. Jamont weighs 40 more pounds than most point guards. Jamont sets himself apart from the competition because he is a triple double waiting to happen. No single player in college basketball did more for his team last season than Jamont Gordon. Jamont is a match up nightmare for college coaches. If you double team he’ll kick it out to one of our sharp shooters. If you put a big man on him he’ll post you up or blow by you for a dunk or lay up. And if that wasn’t enough he distributes the ball well and will go get rebounds. During the recruiting process, most people felt Jamont was heading to TN, but Jamont canceled his trip to Knoxville at the last minute, headed to Starkville and committed shortly after. As soon as Jamont arrived on campus, he was handed the reins by Coach Stansbury. The fan base has been up and down on Jamont, but after last season he is clearly the team’s leader. There is no question about it now, this is Jamont’s team. According to Rivals, Jamont will enter the season rated as the #1 point guard in the nation. Our perimeter players will be licking their chops every time Jamont drives the lane and draws a double team. There always seems to be a connection between MSU and players during the recruiting process. I learned during the NIT run that Jamont has been a long time friend of Dontae Jones, both hailing from Nashville, TN. The team’s ability to be in the hunt for a SEC title in February will hinge on Jamont’s play. Jamont has established himself as MSU's "Floor General". MSU fans need to enjoy Jamont next season, all things point to an NBA entry next year. We may never see another point guard at MSU with Jamont’s size and talent.

Hopson at the Super Showcase in Orlando

Scotty Hopson scored 15 points to help the Midstate Ballerz win and stay alive in the silver division. Based on his performances all summer I guess he is not immortal. This is the national championships for AAU ball.

Isaiah 26:2 Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.

Good Recruiting or Good Coaching

In the last two seasons one recurring theme on the MSU basketball team is freshmen playing alot of minutes. We have gone through some growing pains with freshmen playing major minutes. This is directly related to defectors in recent years. Our underclassmen now have the attitude that it takes to win. As far as good recruiting, Ben and Barry just didn't get much love from the national recruiting services. Jarvis was by far the highest rated player in the 06 class. I have personally been impressed with our coaches and their ability to teach our freshmen to play SEC basketball. Even though the point guard position brings more criticism, it seems to me like we had an easier time with Ben, Barry, and Jarvis than Jamont last season. The good thing about playing alot of freshmen, is they only get better with playing experience and we have 3 sophomores with major SEC experience. So is it good coaching or good recruiting, I think its alittle of both.

Secret Agent Bulldog 001 Reports

Coach Stansbury is on a recruiting / baby-sitting trip. Coach Kirby and Cunningham are also on the same mission. They will all be on the road until the end of the month. After a quiet week (when recruits can't be contacted), all of the above coaches hit the road last Saturday because it's open season until the end of July. Then we go into another quiet period from August 1 until September 9. So I would speculate that each of our 3 recruits have a baby sitter whereever they may be playing. Also, these same coaches can evaluate rising HS Juniors for future consideration. In conjunction with the above, it seems that UNC has developed an interest in Dee Bost. And we have already heard the rumors about KY being interested in Scotty Hopkins. I feel our coaches can hold on, but as we all know, in the recruiting game, anything can happen. If we can hold the commitments of our 3 until August 1, then we'll have time on our side. Other coaches should only be able to approach them from September 9 until October 5. From October 5 on is only evaluations. Then we have the early signing period for a week during the middle of November. I'll feel more comfortable when we have LOIs in house, but even more so when I see then attend their first day of classes as MSU. I can't remember any kid that signed an LOI with us and met all qualifications that didn't play for us, except those that went from HS to the NBA. So, I remain cautiously optimistic that we eventually see Hopson, Bost and Osby suit up in the Maroon and White.

Proverbs 20:28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

As the Basketball Turns

I have collected some fan quotes on the KY recruiting message board on Scotty Hopson. Some of these posters seem to have some credibility, most have btw 1000-23000 posts. Take it for what its worth.

"I really don't expect to see him in Lexington and I for one would be the first to apologize for the treatment both he and his family have been given by those few idiots that call themselves UK fans. This "we hate anyone that doesn't go to UK" stuff needs to stop yesterday. "

"I don't think he'll decommit. As long as his mother wants him at MSU I don't see it happening. However, if his mother said you can do what you want, he might consider it. Just another talented in-state kid our former coach ignored. I kid who is a top 30 player, and wanted to play at UK. "

"He was booed at his own school, his mother has been approached about his poor decision making, and generally he has had to explain himself to everyone."

"As far as I am concerned, Hopson will play for Miss St., and any talk of him backing out is pre-mature... and will do nothing but be in the minds of other kids we might be after. "Man, what if i sign and then Hopson backs out and Kentucky signs him too...then I will have to compete for playing time"
Hopson is solid Miss St. said it himself, so come on down to the next guy..."

"The way Gillispie is flying all over the place...and making new offers to kids every week...I doubt we have an open Scholarship by the end of summer...
And if we do, it will probably only be one...and we will need a Center. "

"FWIW, Rick Stansbury also got a verbal commitment tonight from 4-star PG Dee Bost. He'll join 4-star Romero Osby (used to be 5-star) and Hopson in the '08 class. I would think Hopson would be thrilled with this commitment, and the class coming in is stellar." (This guy had over 23K posts, he must live on the computer!)

"Wow. Looks likes Stansbury is quietly building a heck of a recruiting class." (DUH!!)

Well there are just as many posters that think he will be a wildcat, but overall I feel like KY fans are just hoping. I don't know if this makes you feel any better, but I feel that the media on some select fans are much more wishful than Scotty is about giving KY a chance.

2 Samuel 2:6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.

Osby at the Reebok Summer Championships

Romero Osby had 21 pts, 9 rbs in a losing effort as the Southeast Elite team lost to the Illinois Wolves at the Reebok Summer Championships.

Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Return of the Road Warriors

If there is one thing that the 06-07 squad was good at, it was playing some hoops at the Hump. We won our NIT games at the Hump by an average of 21 points. The 2004 team that won the regular season title earned the nickname Road Warriors. Last season, MSU could play with anyone in the country at Humphrey Coliseum. The upcoming season has an awesome home schedule with TN, KY, Missouri, Clemson, and Miami. Our season turned last year when where able to go to LSU and Auburn and win. This season we will need to win at Western Division teams, especially AR, and UF, USC, and Vandy. To win the regular season title it will most likely take 12-14 wins in SEC play. That means a number of SEC wins away from the Hump. The Thanksgiving tournament in California on a neutral court should be a good warm up. But if state wants the title, they must start winning the close games away from the Hump. We get equal opportunity with all West teams and we have the two best teams in the east coming to Starkville. Eight wins in SEC play won’t get us squat this season. We saw continued improvement as the season wore on, but if MSU wants a SEC title, it will take a return of the Road Warriors.

Dee Bost Update

MSU commit Dee Bost recently played in the East-West All-Star Game in North Carolina. Dee had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to help the West to an 81-75 win. Some good comments about Bost: http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/199985.html

Ezekiel 18:9 He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.

2007-2008 Basketball Roster

I noticed this morning that the 07-08 basketball roster is out. Check it out here: http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/16800/pdf/mbb/mbk_quickfacts_200708.pdf
Barry has taken Dietric's old number 22, Ravern will be taking #2 and Brain has settled on #21. Kodi will be taking Reggie's number and Elgin will wear #45. Included is some bios on new recruits and new walk-ons.

Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Romero in Vegas

Romeo Osby's AAU Southeast Elite played in the GBOA Challenge of Champions this weekend in Vegas. Day One: Southeast Elite 56, DC Assault 43. Day 2: Southeast Elite 76, Team Odom 62. Romero 's teammate Courtney Fourtson, grabbed the headlines with 20 points on the first day. If you haven't heard already, Romero doesn't grab all the headlines on his AAU team, he is surrounded by very talented guards. It doesn't look like Romero will be climbing the rankings as Scotty has done this summer. But Romero still looks to be a lock for Mr. Basketball in MS and a top 40 player in the nation. I haven't been able to find any stats for Romero as of late Sunday, but I did notice that he was the player mentioned when talking about the Southeast Elite by the Las Vegas Review Journal, that has to be worth something getting recognition by a writer from Las Vegas.

Matthew 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Us vs.Them

I belive that come February, we will be right in the thick of thing with TN for the overall SEC title. Well, it seem they are already getting the media to pump them up. They will be good but "What Smith will do is turn the Volunteers into legitimate national-title contenders -- and that means he is of paramount importance. " for the rest read: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/luke_winn/07/19/finalfourtransfers/index.html. This is a bit much too early in my opinion, with the Delks transferring, all the media sees is 2 starters transferring, they have no idea of Ben and Barry and incoming freshman. Look out, could get interesting.

"I Like Our Recruits"

Last night at the extravaganza Rick said "I like my 3 recruits". With NCAA rules that is all he can say about them. We know now that Rick has turned his recruiting strategy from offense to defense and he will spend the rest of the year leading up to November early signing period trying to keep these recruits. I don't think we have much to worry about with Dee and Romero, but no doubt about it, Scotty is the prize of the class. Scotty has gone from a top 15 SF to a top 3 shooting guard in the nation according to the national recruiting sites. I feel confident that Rick will have all three signing on the dotted line come November. Talk all you want Blue Cat Trash, Scotty is coming to Stark Vegas and there is not a dam thing you can do about it. So State fans, I don't think there isn't anything to worry about with our commitments. Let's just sit back and cheer on our future dogs for their senior season and place our confidence in coach that he will deliver all 3 commits come November and look forward to the upcoming season. Go Dawgs !!!

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Summer Extravaganza

I attended the Summer Extravaganza tonight and Rick seemed to be the most popular man in the building. We all went through growing pains last season at the point guard position. Rick said " The fan base was ready to hang myself and Jamont Gordon, but their is no doubt now, Jamont is our point guard." Rick likes are starting point guard and has the most experience in the last two seasons. Rick thinks Ben and Barry have a chance to be special, "especially Barry". Rick was feels Brian will be a big help to our team with 3 years of eligibility left and coach likes Phil Turner's ability. Rick said Jarvis is special and has improved offensively. About the incoming freshmen, Rick said, "All 4 freshmen will contribute in different ways but, especially Ravern Johnson, he has some work to do, most kids out of high school are weak, can't rebound and defend, but he can flat out shoot!" Rick encouraged all fans to attend all games and give your tickets to someone else if you can't attend. Rick couldn't say anything about his commitments, but said " he liked all 3" and the biggest MSU fan of all his wife, Meo Stansbury. Meo and all 3 kids were in attendance. Even though this event is to promote the football season, Rick gave some good points and got a standing ovation when introduced. If you were there please give me you comments on the event.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer

Just Back from the Summer Extravaganza

I just got back from the Summer Extravaganza in Jackson. Rick seemed to be the most popular man in the building. I'm writing the details now, but some of the big news is dealing with our schedule. Rick said "We are playing the best non conference schedule in the history of MSU. We will be playing Clemson on Nov. 13, Miami on Dec. 13, and Missouri on Dec. 29. All three teams return all starters and are the verge of taking it to the next level. Our tournament in Anaheim will open with Cal Irvine, and then we play Southern Illinois, and if we win those two we will play pre season top 10 USC in the championship game." Some good insight into our schedule. I have more details soon.

Rick Stansbury on Family and Basketball

I stumbled upon this article awhile back. It gives you an idea just what a good coach we have and especially what a good family man Rick is, written by Bo Bounds, hope you enjoy:

http://www.maroonandwhitemag.com/stans.htm

James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Romero Osby Video

Here is some video of MSU commitment Romero Osby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqPI1B5-Oj0

Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."

Secret Agent Bulldog 001 Reports

Now that I’ve finished my Dawg biscuits and Dixie beer for lunch, I think we can move forward with the state of MSU Basketball – today. Most of you have probably already read about Coach Stansbury’s report in the Southeastern Conference’s teleconference.
So let’s look at some of the things reported and some that were not covered. First, let’s look at this season’s roster. Charles Rhodes (Sr.), Jamont Gordon (Jr.), Ben Hansbrough (So.), Barry Stewart (So.), Jarvis Varnado (So.), Brian Johnson (Jr. with 3 years of eligibility), Phil Turner (RS Fr.) Billy Begley (Sr.), Ravern Johnson (Fr.), Riley Binoch (Fr.), Kodi Augustus (Fr., after cleared by clearinghouse), Elgin Bailey (Fr., after cleared by clearinghouse), John Harris (Fr. Walk on) and Brandon Bolen (Fr. Walk on). This list adds up to 12 Scholarship players and 3 walk ons, and leaving 1 open Scholarship. Now next year we lose Rhodes, Begley and presumably Gordon. Those 3 schollies will be filled by incoming commits: Scotty Hopson, Romero Osby and Dee Bost. That still leaves the 1 Scholarship. Don’t expect it to be filled until 2009. That’s when we will experience our biggest turnover.

Now some tid-bits on some of the above mentioned players. Not all, but most, are in summer school and are undergoing strength and conditioning training as well as participating in pick up games at the Sanderson Center. Brian Johnson is doing very well in his S & C training and will become a horse as he gains experience from playing time this season. Jarvis Varnado is doing exactly what a lot of fans want him to do. He is putting on weight, but it is muscle weight. He’s now up to 210 and still gaining. Should really help him this season. Barry Stewart has added 10 pounds and its all muscle. Looks good in his arms and chest. What more can I say about Jamont, Charles and Ben. You know what they accomplished last year and this year they will only be better. Ravern Johnson is everything you’ve heard about him. He is the real deal and you will see him getting a lot of PT this season. And last but not least is Phil Turner. He continues to get better and better. Either he or Ben will back up Jamont at PG this year. Kodi Augustus has all of his paper work at the clearinghouse. Just waiting on them, but he should not have any problems getting here for the fall semester. Elgin's work has been done and he only awaits the clearinghouse. The staff feels he will be ready for the fall semester. Except for the players mentioned above, don’t expect any surprise announcements for upcoming players. The staff is working on now are holding onto the commitments and scouting rising HS Juniors. I have it from pretty good sources that some of the HS players the fans have been speculating on recently (L. Williams and R. Harris) could have trouble making it through the clearinghouse.

As announced, no coaching changes or new hires will be announced until August or September. One thing that some of you may or may not know is that Marcus Grant started helping floor coach last year and will do the same again this year. Maybe we should expect some one within the present program to move up to help do a lot of what Grant has been doing in the past. And no, I’m not talking about Shane Power.

GO DAWGS!!!!

Rick's News and Notes

From the Starkville Daily News, much of the same. Its a slow time for basketball, you have to get creative. http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19766&Itemid=92

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Romero Osby News and Notes

Now that the summer is winding down Romero goals for the upcoming year includes winning some individual awards. "I want to win a state championship, be a McDonald's All-American and win Mr. Basketball," said Osby, who indicated Louisville was probably his second choice. "Those are accolades you dream about when you're a little kid." For the rest check out: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070714/SPORTS06/707140348/1117

Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Will the Next Great Defender Please Stand Up?

If there is one thing that Rick's team's have been known for, its rebounding and playing defense. Richard Delk was a good defender, but we haven't had a shut down defender since Winsome Frazier. We could put Winsome on a team's best player and forget about it. The lack of defense has shown the last two season's with MSU having to play zone. We all know Rick likes to have the athletes to play hard nose man-to-man defense. So which one of our players will be the next shut down man, my vote is for Phil Turner. Although MSU fans don't know alot about Phil now, that won't be the norm for long. I've seen Phil play and person and with his preseason play and summer play in Argentina, you'll be reminded of Winsome when you see Phil suit up. Phil obviously has alot of work to do before he can fill Winsome's shoes, but don't look too far for our next shut down defender, he's been sitting on the bench for year now waiting for his time. It won't take long before fans will be saying, Richard who?

1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

Phil is ready, are you ready for Phil?

For the time being, Phil Turner has been a little know red shirt freshman guard at MSU. Phil hails from Grenada, Mississippi where he played for 5A Grenada High School and averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 2.1 assists a game. The Mississippi State Athletics website describes Phil as a "Versatile in-state wing product with a tremendous upside... Athletic back court performer who has a nose for the basketball on both ends of the floor... High-energy athlete who likes to go to the offensive boards in the mold of former State swingman Winsome Frazier... Possesses great quickness with very active hands on defense... ". According to the MSU coaches Phil is being groomed to spell Jamont Gordon at the point guard but can play the two guard as well. Having attended the pre-season scrimmage last year, I came away impressed with Phil's play on both sides of the court. Barry Stewart's play last season surprised fans and I anticipate Phil doing no less. Phil has shown he possesses the offensive skills needed as he scored 26 points at the SCORE International basketball team week long tour of Argentina. I sense Phil Turner's biggest role on the team will come from the departure of Richard Delk, arguably the team's best shut down defender on the wing. Phil's nose for defense will solidify his case for minutes as the season wears on. Phil sat on the bench his first season and will have the opportunity come October, along with fellow teammate Brian Johnson to put his fingerprint on the 07-08 basketball season and play a role as the Dogs make a run to get back to the Big Dance. We know Phil Turner is ready, are you? (This is a repeat of the second article I did and wanted everyone to have a chance to read it since it is buried in the archives now. Phil will get his attention from the fans this season.)

Galatians 3:11Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."

SEC Basketball Coaches Press Conference

Not much news to report, just a couple of questions for Rick and his take on returning experience. If you want to listen to his comments fast forward to the 1:46:10 mark to listen to Rick's comments.
http://www.secsports.com/index.php?url_channel_id=3&url_article_id=9167&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2

Psalm 145:13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

To Build or Not to Build?

This topic is about as common as who'll will be in the starting lineup next season. Should we build an new arena, add on, or just keep what we have? I grabbed an image from Google Earth of the area around the Hump and the best spot seems to be the site of the old Ag and Bio Building. I've seen a master plan showing a large architecture school on that site, but it seems to be an ideal area for a new practice facility. Personally I think we should do some upgrades to the Hump, keep it around current seating capacity, and build a state of the art practice facility on the Ag and Bio site. it would be stone's throw away from the Hump and would be what Rick has been needing for years now. I would also like to see a MSU basketball museum and a larger section dedicated to Jack, similar to what Arkansas has at Bud Walton.

Mark 10:52"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Charles Rhodes and Jamont Gordon – Together Again

Now that Jamont and Charles will be back for next season, MSU fans are geared up to watch one more run with the deadly duo. But before they can ride off into the sunset, they have a little unfinished business, a NCAA tournament birth and an SEC title. MSU had two NBA draft picks after the 96 final four run, but Dontae Jones was an unknown before the season started. It’s pretty amazing to think that we will be returning two starters that are showing on the radar for 2008 NBA mock drafts. We all know what Jamont brings to the table, but if Charles plays to his potential, MSU should have the best 1-2 punch in the SEC. A lot of the firepower will come from the underclassmen, but if MSU wants a league title and a NCAA tournament run, a majority of the offense will need to run through these two. Charles was hurt and by the time he got well the Ben, Barry, and Jarvis had made their impact. I for one have been critical with Charles’s effort, but we all know that if Charles does well, than MSU will have the best 1-2 punch in the SEC. I just don't think we've seen what they are capable of together. So, we’ll see how far the duo can take this team, one last year, together again.

Galatians 3:9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Osby dominates MAC All Star Game

MSU commit Romero Osby had a good game at the annual all star game held on the Mississippi College campus. He had 21 pts 16 rebounds and was name defensive player of the game. Look for this to be the norm as he senior campaign begins soon and he gets ready to head down the road to suit up for the MSU Bulldogs. For more details on the game: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/SPORTS06/707150373

2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

Chemistry 101

I grew up watching March Madness with my father. My earliest memory is Christian Laettner's winning shot over KY. We’ve seen a team ride a hot hand to the title, but recently with Florida’s success, it has all been about team chemistry. Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators seemed to have perfected this on the way to repeat championships. It has become obvious by watching the Gators title run and our past recruiting classes that team chemistry can make or break a team. The Bulldogs started to build team chemistry last season, but under the surface the Delks put that chemistry in danger. Past players have keep MSU from building team chemistry, but I believe we have players currently on our roster and 08 commitments that will come together to build the chemistry that this program has been looking for. A good description of UF’s team last year was all five players on the floor had a point guard’s mentality. Jarvis is a coach’s son, Ben and Barry are have team first attitude, Scotty and Romero have had the opportunity to know each other through the AAU circuit (not to mention Romero is 6’8” who has a guard’s way of thinking) and Dee Bost is a natural leader and winner. I’m not implying that this year’s team can’t achieve this, I just think the groundwork is in place for a MSU squad with true team chemistry.

"The best way to build team chemistry is the way Rupp used to substitute, when they fouled out." -- Coach Dean Smith

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

The Missing Piece

After commitments from Romero Osby and Scotty Hopson, the only thing the 08 class was missing was a point guard. The coaching staff has found that piece in Dee Bost. Dee is the pg that will solidify the 08 class. He should be the heir apparent to Jamont Gordon. Dee doesn't have Jamont's size, but neither does just about any other D1 basketball point guard. Dee seems to be a heck of an athlete racking up awards for North Carolina athletics. You have to think that the sell to come to MSU was Dee being able to come in a play the point right away. Dee should be able to hone his skills in prep school and arrive at MSU ready to take the reins. I hope that Dee will be a pass first pg will all the offensive firepower coming in with him. The future looks bright, and the only question now is, which player will get freshman of the year honors. Here are some links to articles on Dee Bost:
http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/171842.html
http://www.wbtv.com/prep/localpreps/7426421.html
http://www.concordspiders.com/
Just posted at 4:21 PM by CL: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070712/SPORTS030102/70712032

Agent 001 Files 1st Report

Secret Agent Bulldog 001 has just filed his first report. He has spent the last week sniffing around campus and this is what he has to report:
-Barry Stewart has added 10lbs of muscle to his upper body
and shooting is looking very good
-Ravern is knocking down shots from all over the court
-Secret Agent says Brian Johnson play is already reminding him of Brandon Vincent and Corliss Williamson
-It appears that Elgin and Kodi should be on campus for fall semester, Both players are waiting on the Clearinghouse
-For what it is worth the coaches feel Brian needs to improve his strength, he had no strength training in HS or at Oak Hill Academy, and hasn't had any since b/c of the knee injury, strength and conditioning is his biggest area of needed improvment.

Yours Truly,
Secret Agent Bulldog 001

Secret Agent Bulldog 001

Today, I would like to introduce everyone to the new addition to the Mississippi State Basketball Blog. His name is Secret Agent Bulldog 001, and he is officially my new insider to Mississippi State Basketball. He has very close ties to the MSU program, coaching staff, and players. As you can see by his picture, he has to wear a disguise so not to be noticed, and will only be referred to Secret Agent Bulldog 001. He will be on the path tracking down leads, eating stale dog biscuits, and reporting inside info not available anywhere else. To protect his identity, I ask if you see him anywhere, just look away, we don't want to blow his cover. Secret Agent 001 will be filing his first report soon.

Charles Rhodes

Let me start by saying that when it comes this blog, I try to take an upbeat approach to writing posts because of my love for MSU basketball and there are other sports for plenty of negativity to go around. But if you wanted to to just read stats, all you would need is your local newspaper. Charles was a integral part of last season's run last season, but Charles is all that is left of the 02 and 03 recruiting classes that poisoned our program and set us back 2 years. His attitude has been abrasive at times for the MSU basketball team. If Charles plays day in and day out like we seen him play at times, he and Jamont could be the deadliest duo in the SEC. But if Charles doesn't bring it every night, I think he just complicates the whole lineup. If Charles doesn't bring it every game, I would like to see him come off the bench and provide an offensive spark. Charles showed us last year he can block shots, but our rebounding was not up to par last season. I heard several good sources that the coaches staff feels that Charles needs to worry about losing playing time to Jarvis and Brain and not so much about the NBA. I'm ready to see maroon jerseys under the basket after missed shots. I love that Jamont is a great rebounder, but I 'm ready for our post players to dominate the boards. I like Brian and Jarvis's attitude and see the team chemistry benefiting more when they are on the floor. We've all seen what Charles can do when he wants to, but Charles needs to start looking over his shoulder, because Brain and Jarvis are in the rear view mirror, gaining ground and ready to make their mark on the 07-08 season.

Brian Johnson – Just the Man We’ve Been Looking For

MSU was missing a certain something last season. It was more obvious at times against larger lineups. That certain something was a big body in the middle to bang with the front courts of the SEC. MSU fans are having been waiting patiently for Brian to take the floor and he can’t get here soon enough. Brian was a top 10 power forward out of Oak Hill Academy and was the youngest member of the US Junior National team. Brian has had several knee issues but seems to be back to 100 percent. Brian was MSU’s biggest cheerleader last season and looks to make an impact right away for the bullies. Brian has tons of offensive skills but I think State fans are looking for some to fill a role similar the one Brandon Vincent played while at MSU. Look for Brian to be the compliment to Charles and Jarvis next season. Brian’s size in the post should make if even easier for Jamont to drive it to the lane and be able to score from 15 feet in. Look for Brian to be a fan favorite instantly and be just what MSU fans have been looking for.

Hopson at the Lebron James Academy Skills Camp

Here is an article from the Courier Journal out of Louisville on Scotty's performance from the LJ Skills Camp.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070709/SPORTS/707090458

Barry Stewart - The Ice Man

Barry Stewart's laid back approach was a welcome addition to the Bulldogs last season. Barry was arguably the biggest surprise of last years team. He scored a breakout performance in Miami with 22 points and went on to garner 2 freshman of the week honors. He was arguably the best freshman in the SEC next to Patrick Beverly in a relief role compared to Beverly being a regular starter. Barry was a fairly unknown, even though many TN fans thought that Bruce Pearl should have given Barry a harder look. Barry will have a larger role next season with the defectors and I look for him to continue to improve his play in his sophomore campaign. We learned to appreciate Barry even more with his free throw shooting at crunch time. Barry's layup in the SEC tournament was crucial in the SEC tournament victory over KY. The addition of incoming freshmen to the back court may confuse the starting lineup for our back court, but Barry has earned his strips with Coach Stansbury and will continue to help anchor our back court next season. I look for Barry to bring to bring an improved game next season with his hard work over the summer and avoid a sophomore slump. I think Barry hit his sophomore slump in the middle of his freshman season. His laid back demeanor could be the calming force this lineup needs to take it to the next level. Barry has drawn some nice comparisons and praises from coaches and look for Barry with ice running through his veins on the court when the game is on the line.

KY Press Spinning the Facts

http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/118716.html

I think you will get a different spin on Scotty's commit, depending on whether it a KY writer or a MS writer. Look for this to heat up with the attention Scotty is getting this summer. The KY fans will not give up until he signs on the dotted line.

Scotty Lighting up the Summer Circuits

Here is a link to some quotes by Scotty Hopson at the Lebron James Skills Academy:
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html Courtesy of ZombieDog

Scotty's play this summer has elvated him as an elite player in the 08 class. Another good link for info his AAU team link for the Mid State Ballerz:
http://www.midstateballerz.com/

Augustus in August

Word is, Kodi should be on campus in August. To this point, Kodi Augustus is a total mystery. We know that he was a top 10 player in TX in 06 and a top 150 player ranked higher than Ravern. Even though I believe Ravern will be the impact freshman in the 07 class, what do you think he will contribute to the 07-08 class. he has the potential to play some defense on the perimeter and play some defense. He has some real potential based on his size, but lets solve the mystery, what impact do you thinke he will have?

Nicknames

I would like everyone's suggestion on nicknames for our players, here is what I've come up with so far:
Jarvis Varnado - The Human Fly Swatter and Mr. Efficiency
Jamont Gordon - The Floor General
Ben Hansbrough - The Hardest Working Man in Basketball
Barry Stewart - Sweetness
Charles - The Beast, already had that nickname
Brain Johnson - The Janitor

For future recruits, I think a good name for Scotty Hopson will be Stinger, b/c he will be stinging the nets.
Any suggestions for Romero, Phil, maybe event Kodi and Elgin. What do yall think?

Jarvis Vanardo - The Human Fly Swatter & So Much More

Jarvis Vanardo swatted his way to breaking the freshmen mark for blocked shots last season, but look for this bulldog to start making his mark on the offensive end of the court. Another good nickname for Jarvis could be Mr. Efficiency. Jarvis led the team in field goal percentage with a .647 mark while only averaging 13.5 minutes a game. Depending on how the lineups shakes out, look for Jarvis to be a staple in the paint next season. We just saw the tip of the ice burg of what Jarvis can do offensively. If he can improve his conditioning and strength, there is no reason Jarvis cannot be a double double player with 20-30 minutes a game. We even saw flashes of a mid range game last season. I look for Jarvis's numbers to increase along with minutes. Jarvis's improvement should push our other post players and make them better players. If the minutes increase look for Jarvis to be our man in the middle. Opposing teams already know of his shot blocking skills, but they better look again, because Jarvis Varnado will be bringing so much more in his sophomore campaign.

07-08 Schedule

Since we are already talking about MSU's slate for the upcoming season, next year slate is going to be possibly one of the home schedules we've ever seen. We have return games with Clemson, Missouri, and Miami. If that wasn't good enough we have KY and TN coming to Hump. If people ask, how the west will be won, it will have to start by putting a beat down on KY and TN. Well, I would be surprised if was a beat down, but the TN match could see the same two team battling for the overall title in late February. I've got my Bulldog Club donation in and priority seating will be here before we know it. I heard someone ask if we would be play an away game with Winthrop this season, I assume so, they graduated most of their key players from last season, but we all know not to let that fool us, ex. George Mason. That game and USC still make me sick at my stomach. Going to be a hell of a schedule, the pre SEC attendance numbers should be up. Looking forward to it. Stans said he was one team away from a full schedule, anyone have any ideas?

2007-2008 Basketball Schedule

Kyle Veazy of the Clarion Ledger spoke with Coach and got some good info on the upcoming schedule:
http://www.clarionledger.com/misc/Blogs/kyleveazey/kyleveazeyblog.html The eight team tournament in Anaheim, Calif. will be during turkey days. The tournament will include SIU, USC, UC-Irvine, UAB, Tulane, Miami of Ohio and San Diego. It will be telivised by ESPN.

Ravern Johnson - MSU's next big thing?

Ravern Johnson has been on the minds on MSU fans for the last 2 years, and he will soon have his chance to show what he can do for the MSU fanbase. Ravern was Mr. Basketball his junior year and then passed over for the award his senior year. Ravern had the luxury of playing with a true point guard his junior year, and then was forced to play all 5 spots on the floor his senior year, yet his numbers didn't suffer. I've personally been excited about Ravern suiting up for the Bulldogs for the past two years. At 6'7" 190 lbs, Ravern will bring a sharp shooter's mentality to the team and should have an opportunity to provide some instant offense off the bench in the beginning. Ravern will benefit from the recent defections, and I don't expect Ravern to disappoint. Ravern will bring a new dimension to the team in that he has the ability to create his own shot, and his range is consistently 4-5 feet beyond the arc. To some his defense is questionable, but a summer in the weight room and help from Rick, Ravern should have polished his defensive game by the time SEC rolls around. Ravern has already been spotted at the Sanderson Center knocking the bottom out to the nets against current and former players. I have heard our coaches say that Ravern is one of the best pure shooters to come out of the state of Mississippi in the last 20 years. No comparisons were made, but that time line falls around the time Chris Jackson left for LSU. Ravern will play the 2 or 3 spot, depending on how his defensive game is developing. Look for the freshman record for 3's made to be broken for a 3rd year in a row with Ravern in the lineup. Ravern will take most of the pre SEC schedule to become acclimated to playing college basketball, but once SEC begins don't be surprised if Ravern is consistantly flerting with the staring rotation. I'm looking forward to the start of the new season and watching our next big thing, Ravern Johnson.

Fellow Posters

I am glad that all have chosen to visit my blog and hope you all contiue to visit and comment. You don't need to register, but if you are going to use Anonymous as your name, I would encourage you to sign your name at the end of the comment that you use on message boards. I'm interested to whom I'm talking to. Thanks all who visits my blog and please return and comment. Thanks Go Dawgs!!!

Ben Hansbrough – Not Tyler’s Little Brother Anymore

I remember the first time I saw Ben; it was the exhibition game before the 2005-2006 season. I had skipped out on the MSU-AL game to get a sneak peak of the basketball bullies. We left at halftime so we could get seats behind the bench. We sat 2 rows behind the bench and Ben was there for his recruiting trip. At the time I was not familiar with Ben, but that would last long. From the time Ben suited up for MSU, it hasn’t taken long for Ben to earn the reputation as “The Hardest Working Man in College Basketball”. Ben grew up a lot last season after being asked to play the point and then thriving at the end of the season at the two. Ben’s improvement from the beginning to end of last season was exponential. You have to feel that Ben plays with a chip on his shoulder and that is what makes him the player he is. Ben is not the most athletic player that had ever adorned a MSU jersey, but he could be one of the best in due time because he is willing to work harder than anyone else. Ben flourished toward the end of last season at the two with his three point shooting and ability to drive the lane. I look forward to next season, not just because our returning talent, but to see Ben’s improvement he has made after all his hard work we know he is putting in this summer. To fans outside the Bulldog Nation, Ben is known as Tyler’s little brother, but don’t look for that to be the norm much longer as Ben makes his impact on the new basketball season.