The Classic

Looking at the bracket, chances are we can play a variety of teams, it will be for sure UC Irvine, and then from there it could be Southern Illinois, Miami (OH), South Alabama, or USC. Southern Illinois could be the toughest game of this tournament. We win this tournament and we'll be on the national radar. We'll take a look at the anteaters tomorrow.

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.

Breaking Down the Schedule - Saturday 11/17 Tennessee-Martin

The Skyhawks are out of the Ohio Valley Conference and finished 8-23. The Skyhawks finished last in the conference last season are predicted to do the same with only one returning starter in Gerald Robinson. Gerald a 6-9 forward led the team with 12.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg. The Skyhawks will depend heavily on juco transfers to contribute immediately. Look for the Bulldogs to handle the skychickens with ease after a hard fought game with Clemson. This is will be a very good game to attend. The first game will be just getting a feel for the season, the 2nd will have to be played by our 5 best players, but this is the one where we will be able to see the freshman play some minutes. We will over match them every way imaginable, there will plenty of mop up minutes to go around.

Joshua 24:14"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

Breaking Down the Schedule - Thursday, 11/15 Clemson

WOW, lets not beat around the bush and let's play somebody. This will be good measuring stick right out of the gates for the Bulldogs. We were one shot away at the end of last season from a rematch. Clemson started off 17-0 last season before cooling off losing 10 of their last 14 games. They have just as many returning players (4 starters) as we do and have some high expectations. The tigers are picked as high as 4th in a rich ACC basketball conference. Two things you have to feel good about, we lost a close one at their place and Jamont Gordon has improved leaps and bounds since the game last season. This will also be an interesting game to measure our inside buys b/c Clemson brings back 2 of the top 8 rebounders in the ACC. Clemson 1-2 punch will come from James Mays and Trevaor Booker who is a double-double threat. The tigers biggest weakness, FT shooting, the tigers shot 57.8 % from the stripe. I am very interested to see how we improve on our interior defense, the Delks got taken to school by the bigger faster tigers last season @ Clemson. Look for Jerai Grant, NC's Mr. Basketball last year to contribute immediately. He can shoot light's out from beyond the arc and is the nephew of former NBA player Horace Grant. This game will consist of two teams that will likely not be playing their best ball yet. If there is a early slip up @ the Hump, this could be it. Look for a good game, and we'll just have to see who can come out on top.

Genesis 24:49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn."

Breaking Down the Schedule - Saturday 11/10 Louisiana Tech

The Bulldogs are out of the Western Athletic Conference and finished last season with 10-20 overall record which led to the departure of their head coach. New coach Kerry Rupp will try to turn around the bulldogs in his inaugural season. Between graduation and defection they only return 4 players from last season's roster. The bulldogs will depend heavily on new recruits D.J. Wright and and Olu Ashoula. The Bulldogs will play an uptempo offense and defense. They will push the ball hard but just won't have the athletes to run with the "Big Dogs". The most interesting note about the puppies, does the name Magnumn Rolle sound familiar? The 6'10" transfer from LSU will have to sit the year on the bench. The backcout will be full of freshmen, so look for Jamont to take some freshmen to school and not turn the ball over much like the opener last season. Look for this team to be in the rebuilding process when they entertain the real Bulldogs @ Humphrey Coliseum.
Deuteronmy 32:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Breaking Down the Schedule

This series signals that the season is near. I've looked at our schedule just about every way possible. We all know that we can match up with any team in the nation at the Hump. I can't say this enough, if we are to have a chance at repeating as western champs and contending for the regular season title, we are going to have transfer that success onto the road. The Anaheim Classic will be a good measuring stick, the Salukis could be the toughest non conference opponent we face. We will have to be ready to play out of the gate for Clemson, or we could easily start 1-1. The home schedule is highlighted by Clemson, Miami, Missouri, KY, and TN. The east will have to come to us, and we need to sweep some of our western counterparts and take care of business on the road. I believe we lose two before Jan. 1 and we lose 4 in SEC play. So I think this team finishes the season 24-6 (12-4). Will 12 wins be enough to win the SEC? It'll should enough to win the west, but it could take 13 or 14 to take the crown, it just depends on how top heavy the east is. We have alot of young talent on this team that can contribute, so like last season, we might be playing better ball towards the end of the season. I encourage all to comment on how they think we match up with each team on the schedule each day. I'm proud of the start our FB, but lets get ready to play some round ball. I'm hoping we'll be hearing something soon about an open scrimmage as soon as practice tips off. To the Hump for Hoops!!!

Psalm 89:2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Rivals Analysis of MSU

Good Stuff, Ranked #17 Courtesy of Tom.
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1146&CID=718371

"The Bulldogs have Elite Eight potential if they can develop a little depth and maintain team chemistry."-Bob McClellan
I like that!

Romero Osby

I've come up with my observation of Romero Osby. I have watched alot of video on Osby and if you haven't seen him play in HS compared to summer league then you haven't seen his skills showcased. He has the face up game and athleticism of a Charles Rhodes except he can drag a defender out to the arc and drain a 3, not when we are in mop up time, but consistently. He has a quick enough first step to take his defender of the dribble and drive it to the hoop. He has the size to play down inside and back down a 4 and score it. He has enough ball handling skills to start a fast break, distribute and finish a play, and has a nice pull up floater similar to Scotty to consistently score the basket. I can't help but to think with the talent we have coming in 08 we might need as many as 2 role players, one in the back court and one in the front court. An unselfish PG would fit this mold and a big man in the middle with a sharp shooter on the arc/defender would make for a heck of a lineup that has the potential to make a deep run into the tournament. Would you agree or do you have a different description? In case you haven't seen any video here is alittle taste: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=romero+osby

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!'

11-5 or 13-3

Personally, I think it will take 11 W's to win the west and 13 wins to claim the regular season title. 13 wins is a tall order even for this team's expectations. Can TN win 13, I don't even know if they can win that many, so saying that, 8-8 won't even get you a consolation prize this season. Anyone who watched this team play at the Hump late in the season knows if they can turn that magic on when they go on the road, Houston we have a chance. But, but, but, we have to transfer that magic onto the road. Which means, we need " The Return of the Road Warriors". We know we can win at the Hump but can we win on the road? I think the tournament in CA will be a pretty good indication. But I will stick to my guns, TN will be very, very good, KY will be good, and FL will surprise some folks, but it will take at least 12-14 wins to take the SEC. I know we have the guns, but can we put it together to win the regular season title, we'll see. How may wins do you think it will take to win the west or the regular season title?

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

I Got to Wondering

and I guess that could be dangerous b/c wondering leads to me to thinking. There are two ways to gauge how many fans frequent this site, hits on my profile and votes on the pole. I''ve had as many as 30 comments on one topic and had several KY media grace our presence (thanks to Scotty Hopson). I've heard several credible sources say that the number should of participants should grow into the thousands once the season starts. I set it up where everyone would be able to comment whether you register or not. So, if you registered or not I would like to do a role call of sorts and I wold like to thank my regular posters who when this site really takes off can take credit for being some of the original posters, sorry if I don't name you but you need to register. So just reply registered or not with a personal signature. So in no certain order thanks to:
A special thanks to 001
Zombie Dog
mstateglfr
kurt w
tom
captaindawg
the poster formally known as the Mystic
jdelta022
Bob1935
souldog
msulawdawg
nathan
And thanks to the KY Media for participating.

One side note, for the first time in awhile I bought a book and did not put it down until I finished it(read it in about 4 hours). It is called 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. It is the story of a man who was killed instantly when his car was run over by an 18 wheeler and he came back to life 90 minutes after he was pronounced dead at the scene. It is a story of pastor who saw heaven, stood at the pearly gates and was brought back to earth and spent the next 15 months learning how to walk again. A very good book to let you realize how thankful we are to do the simple things in life. Every once in a while, it is a good reminder to take a step back from your life and take a look from outside looking in and not look the other way around like we all tend to think. Thanks to all who participate in this blog and I'm looking forward to future participation and the season to come. I have a couple of more posts and I will start breaking down the schedule next week. Thanks for all who participate and I'm looking forward to all future participation. - Arliss

Agent 001 - State of the Dawghouse Address

A look at the past may help us determine the future!

Sometimes we can look at the past of what Coach Stansbury has done to somewhat predict what we will see in the upcoming season. For instance, he will start his most experienced players at the start of the game and then substitute as he feels is necessary to keep the players rested and on top of their game. I think in the first two exhibition games he may do something similar to what occurred in Vancouver last year. He will start with experience, play them for about 5 minutes and then put in 4 of the new players just to get a feel for what they can do under game conditions. It will be almost like he will be playing a different team in 5 minute shifts. However, when we do start our schedule, the name of the game is to win. This is when he will start the experienced team, i.e. Gordon, Hansbrough, Stewart, Rhodes and Varnado. However, I think based on what he has seen in practice and the exhibition games, he will substitute liberally. I think we will see Augustus, R. Johnson , B. Johnson and Bailey see early playing time. I think we will see Hansbrough move to PG when Gordon is being rested at the first part of the season. However, as the season goes on, he may be replaced by Turner at PG. You have to realize this is all speculation on my part. I think early in the season, we may see a lot of the freshmen get into the games after we have them well in hand. When we have this many highly prized athletes on the team, playing time is what keeps them happy. Coach has said on several different occasions that this team has the best team chemistry he has had in his program. This bodes well for our program. Needles to say, but Coach will determine his best 5 players during the non-conference play and these guys will be, for a lack of a better word, “his crunch time team.” So, come on out to all of the games you are able to, and if you can’t be there, make sure some other dawg fan uses your ticket. Overall, this season will still see a very young, but talented team don the maroon and white. My prediction: overall 22+ wins and 10+ wins in conference play. GO DAWGS.

Giving Due Respect

Now that's its official that Ronald Steele won't be running the show at Bama this season I think this opens the door for our floor general Jamont Gordon to get his due respect. Mr. Steele has been a media darling the last two seasons and Jamont plays pg for us b/c he is the best for that position and not out of necessity like most national publications are reporting. No one can hold a candle to Jamont in the conference much less in the nation when it comes to his all around game. I'm glad it will be coming and I know opposing coaches won't be able to sleep the week they match up with MSU thinking of the nightmarish match up problems Jamont will cause. Most have heard me say this before, we as a fanbase need to enjoy Jamont, we may never see another PG with his size and talent adorn the maroon and white again.

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

Poll Results

OK, the results are in for the improvements that should be made to MSU's basketball facilities as follows:
355 Total Votes

Build a new coliseum with new practice facilities.34 (9%)

Build a new practice facility and leave the Hump alone.44 (12%)

Upgrade the capacity of the Hump and build connecting practice facilities. 137 (38%)

Leave everything alone.6 (1%)

Make minor upgrades to Hump and build new practice facilities. 134 (37%)

Thanks everyone for voting, it seems that the votes were very close between two choices. It does seem though that we do need some improvements made. I talked to one of the associate AD's last week and he said that no major contributions relating to a new practice facility have been made with the current administration. No contributions toward the basketball program can be guaranteed to go 100% to the basketball program. Once there is a new admin. in place there should be some contributions made and make upgrades possible for practice facilities soon after. One more thing, what's up with the one vote for no upgrades, must be Jack voting since the Hump is still smoker friendly. Love Ya Jack, keep up the good work.

Matthew 21:21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done

Who is the Most Explosive Leaper in the Nation?

Well, so far according to Rivals it is Scotty Hopson:

http://highschool.rivals.com/copoll.asp?poll=39

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2007/09/scotty-hopson-leaper.html

Should be some video available. Who are some great leapers from our past Bulldog teams, Derrick Zimmerman and Michael Gholar come to mind.

Side note: AL PG Ronald Steele will miss the upcoming season with a medical redshirt after knee surgery. That means the Steele brothers will get to play together one year. That narrows to competition to MSU and AR in the west.

Matthew 17:20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Scotty Hopson's Summer Improvement and KY Ranking

I came across this article trying to explain why Scotty is a top ten player nation wide player and didn't even make the all state teams. Interpret it how you like, I still think there is a KY bi est there.
http://www.kentucky.com/276/story/177995.html
Always good to here Scotty confirm his commit.

And if that wasn't enough, check this out:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070916/SPORTS11/709160573/1002/SPORTS,
Scotty the number 3 player in state of KY, come on don't make it so obvious. I know Mackey is a IU commit, but #3, sorry but the real recruiting sites won't concur with that one. Hang in there Scotty, you'll get your chance in Jan. 09 at Rupp arena to show who the best player in KY for 08 really is.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Walk On John Harris

There was a comment on another post that walk on John Harris had left the team. Jack Harris, contacted me on Saturday and confirmed he has left the team. Jack Harris said "John Harris, a walk on, has decided not to play. He is my son. I noticed your Sept. 12 report had some info on John so I thought you would like to know that he had left the team. He still loves the program and the coaches, but decided that he did not love basketball enough to stay with it." The best of luck to John and we wish him success in whatever John decides to do.

Who Would Cause More Matchup Problems?

Jamont Gordon this season or an experienced Romero Osby running the point forward? Jamont has the sure size and Romero has the height. I don't think Romero is as fast taking to the hoop as Jamont is but he is big and has a guard's mentality. Most people have Romero as a 4, but you can't deny he can handle the ball for a big man. I'm sure you would suffer some growing pains with Romero as did Jamont. Dee will have the chance to be the chance to follow Jamont, but you never know, MSU could be known as the home of the point forward. Just a thought what do you think?

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

The 3 Spot

I got to thinking the other day about one of the biggest changes in our team this upcoming year. The 3 spot could make or break this team for the upcoming year. Wikapedia defines the 3 spot as: "the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. 3's are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall. The 3 position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role. Most current NBA 3's are between 6'5" and 6'11" in height. Defense is often a major priority for small forwards, who are often counted on using their athleticism and size as defensive advantages."With the mixture of the lineup last season, I don't think anybody could tell you who was playing what position all of the time. One thing is for sure, we won't have a shortage of candidates to play the 3 this season. Let's see, we have Ravern, Barry, Phil, Kodi(even though his size will likely push him to play the 4), and Benock. If you look at the description of the 3 it seems like Kodi could be a canidate if he can defend. The 3 has to have the ability to shoot the 3 and defend out on the perimeter. I think Scotty Hopson could be the perfect 3, but we are still a year away from that happening. Jamont will be the leader at the 1 but the 3 could decide some games this season. So, according to the description, the 3 should be the 3rd best rebounder, shoot the 3 well and defend the perimeter. What is needed the most for this team, well when it comes to rebounding we need some help in the post, we can always use a 3 pt shooter and last, defense on the perimeter. I think we have shooters and rebounders so if you can play defense on the perimeter, you will play. Now, who will contribute, your guess it as good as mine, Rick will be tinkering with the lineup most likely until the SEC tips off. You can bet whoever does get those minutes will have an impact on the outcome of the ballgame. -Arliss

3 John 1:3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.

Player Progression Series Part 13 - The Walk Ons

John Harris At 6’8”, he has the height, but not the weight at this time. I do know that he can step outside and shoot 3’s. His biggest needs at this time are strength and athleticism.

Brandon Bolen Here’s another smart kid. 4.0 and 30+ on his ACT. Know very little about Brandon except he does bring some toughness and a great physical and mental attitude to the game.

Joseph Iupe His role this year hasn’t changed. It’ll be the same as last year.

Billy Begley He is a senior this year and Coach awarded him with a scholly. His role this year will be the same as we have seen for the past three years.
-001

This is the last in the Player Progression Series. I would like to thank 001 for putting all this together for all to view. In a week or two we are going to start breaking MSU's opponents. The ticket applications are out, priority seating is near, the season is right around the corner. It will be here before you know it, I can't wait. I'll try my best to keep the posts going until tip off, GO DAWGS!

Proverbs 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Riley Benock Although he played point guard in high school, he’ll playing shooting guard on this team. He has a great outside shot and can also take it to the hole. He needs to continue developing his shot. for the college level. He is a very unselfish player that would rather pass the ball of as to take the shot. This will change and as he gets more aggressive, he’ll take more shots. He needs a lot of strength and conditioning training. Has a good basketball IQ. And speaking of IQ’s….He is a 4.0 student that made 30+ on his ACT. His greatest attribute to this team will end up being his shooting.
-001

I think Riley is a good candidate for redshirt, he has the height and frame to build a SEC type body in due time. Redshirt this year, come off the bench freshman and sophomore and by the time he is an upperclassman he can be a difference maker on this team. - Arliss

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

Player Progression Series Part 11 - Newcomer Elgin Bailey

Elgin Bailey Seems like we waited years for this young man to get cleared. We’re talking 6’8’’ and 260 pounds of man here. He will play the 5 spot or low post if you will. With his size and strength and toughness, he will be great under the basket. He has both the physical and mental awareness that a good rebounder needs. He can bring down a rebound and start a fast break with the best of the college big men. One area that he needs to work on is getting better playing with his back to the basket. His has decent defensive skills. As you know, he broke his foot his junior year in HS and that is when most name schools backed off of him. Thank God our staff stayed with him because after his foot healed, a goodly number of those named schools cam back after him, but he stayed with us. The single biggest attribute he brings to the team is his high skill level.
-001

I think Elgin can make his mark on the season, he put up some crazy numbers in HS against some pretty good competition. By looking at the picture above it seems that Elgin hasn't been playing at his optimum weight since he broke his leg. If he gets lean again as he was before the injury he could have a real impact this season, I think his depth will be needed.

Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Conspiracy Theory

I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist but I can see this coming from a mile away. Darrius Miller has committed to UK. What does that have to do with a conspiracy you ask? Darrius Miller is on of the 3 top players in the state of KY along with MSU recruit Scotty Hopson and Indiana commit Bud Mackey. Let me set up my train of thought for this conspiracy. Scotty is ranked as high as #9 overall, Bud Mackey is #32 and Darrius Miller is # 35. If you do the research these reankings are constant throughout the recruiting rankings. Want more? Scotty's junior season was not recognized by many papers in the state after committing to MSU for their annual all state teams. Now take a look at this article: http://www.1570thezone.com/CatsBlog/PermaLink,guid,40f307ea-aadf-443f-96d2-4d6533fe4b7c.aspx
Now that Darrius has given his verbal to KY, the bluecat faithful will tell themselves that their was never really any need for Scotty's services anyway. So according to the people who watch and rate these players for a living I call conspiracy right now. Darrius Miller will be KY's Mr. Basketball for 2008 and Scotty will be snubbed b/c he has kept his word and plans on signing in the fall. Don't worry Mr. Hopson, the KY press may take away the awards rightfully yours, but they can't take away the beat downs to come you'll put on to the bluecat nation. Fly high Mr. Hopson, your MSU faithful will be right here waiting at Humphrey Coliseum to "Beamed Up" for the Scotty Hopson Show.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

ESPN's SEC Preview

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2976255

Charles Thomas? No respect.
Picked 2nd in West behind Ark.
We return 2 of top 3 shotblockers. Jamont is 2nd leading returning scorer and top returning playmaker in league.

BASKETBALL SEASON TICKET APPLICATIONS TO BE MAILED

BULLDOG UPDATE Mississippi State University Athletics

Today, the Bulldog Club began mailing 2007-08 Men's Basketball Season Ticket Applications to active members. Active members should receive an order form within the next week. Due to the first home game being scheduled for November 10, the order deadline will be approaching sooner than usual for ticket purchasers. The priority deadline is set for September 21, 2007.Humphrey Coliseum will be re-seated once again this season and members will select their seats in rank order as they did last season. The Bulldog Club will set times for seat selection and notify members of their appointment time during the first week of October. Seat selection will take place in mid-October. As with last season, members will not be required to travel to Starkville to select seats. As you know, the Bulldog Club and the Ticket Office have converted to a new software system. 2007-08 basketball season tickets will be the first tickets sold in the new system. In order to better serve our customers, we are asking all members who order to return the order form by mail. No phone orders will be accepted. This will allow the ticket office to have a hard copy of all orders placed, which we feel is critical with this being the first on-sale with the new system. It is also our intention to mail user names and passwords to our members for our new My Dog Tag system prior to the end of September. With access to the My Dog Tag system fans will be able to monitor all activity with the Athletic Department; ticket purchases, donations to the Bulldog Club and Maroon to the Max Subscriptions. Please note, the implementation of the XOS system is taking place in several phases. One of the final phases will be online ticketing and donations. Thank you for your patience as this exciting program is implemented.

Player Progression Series Part 10 - Newcomer Kodi Augustus

Kodi Augustus Surprise, surprise, he will play the power forward slot at state. He seems to be able to do it all. Inside or out. At 6’8” and 225 pounds he has the ability to be a hoss. Prep school helped him tremendously and made the transition to State much easier. He has great athleticism and maturity. He’s a great shooter and able to score off the bounce. He is probably the best 3 point shooter on the team and that says a lot considering his size. One thing I can tell you is that as much as I think of Brian Johnson, Brian can’t stop him. The most important thing he needs to do is strengthen his body to get ready for college play. I think Coach Akins will take care of that for us. He needs this to improve on his rebounding. The single greatest attribute he brings to the team is his shooting ability. -001

Personally I am looking forward to seeing Ravern play, but 001 is very high on Kodi. I've never seen Kodi play, but 001 has. I've seen plenty of Ravern over the last 2 years. If he is the best the 3 pt shooter look out, b/c I'm looking for Ravern to claim that title. But that's a disagreement I don't mind having. But if Kodi plays the 4, Rave plays the 3, Scotty is being projected as a NBA potential 2 guard, Bost running the point, and Bailey and Varnado playing the 5, nice lineup and thats leaving Ben, Barry and Romero out! Okay, I got alittle carried away there, lets take care of business this season and get Rick his first sweet 16. - Arliss

Mark 11:22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.

Player Progression Series Part 9 - Newcomer - Ravern Johnson

Ravern Johnson Known coming out of high school as a shooter, at 6’7” and 175 pounds, he will have to work at getting his weight up and get much, much stronger to compete at this level. He also needs to work on his ball handling skills. But he is still a great shooter. He can knock down the 3 and hit the 2 off of the dribble. His pull up jumper is a thing of beauty. He is a player that is if crowded will go around you take the ball to the basket faster than you think. His most pressing needs are to develop his strength, work on his defensive game and gain some weight. The best attribute he brings to the team is his shooting ability.
-001

I've been following Ravern's HS career for the last two seasons and I am about excited as I've been about an incoming freshman in a while. It might take a while for Rav to a adjust to SEC competition, but when he has the ball in his hands he will have the green light from the coaches to let it fly. - Arliss

1 Peter 1:21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Coach Fanning Has Some Recruiting to Do

I rarely mention the ladies team, but it seems Coach Fanning may need to go ahead and start recruiting these two. This came from a KY sports blog earlier in the summer and these quotes accompanied it:

"It is clear that Romero Osby is a great kid and an awesome big brother. Not only is he well spoken and respectful, but he is patient and loving with his little sisters as shown here." written by Marc Maggard

This is a great picture, notice how players always try to look so serious in pictures and never smile.

Player Progression Series Part 8 - The Rest of the Best Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson Most probably will play the 4 and 5 spot. He brings maturity and leadership to this team and is well respected by all of the players. You could see this last year while he was sitting out. He understands what his roll will be and has no problems with that. He is an OK shooter from outside, but his game is under the basket where he can drag in rebounds and put the ball back up or pass it out. He also can go out and guard on the perimeter well. He still needs to keep developing his lower body. The muscle mass that he lost in his right leg is still apparent visually. However, his leg is completely healed. But his most pressing need is to develop his defense more. The attribute he brings to this team is leadership on and off the floor.
-001


Brian could just be the missing piece we have been looking for. I don't think he'll be a clone of Brandon Vincent, but I feel he'll bring alot of those types of attributes to the team. I think when you look back at the box score of a game, Brian will have those 6 rebounds and 8 points in game that were the difference in some losses last season. More than anything he give the lineup more depth up front which will allow us to switch back to a bigger lineup. - Arliss

Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

Player Progression Series Part 7 - The Rest of the Best Phil Turner

Phil Turner He will play guard and due to his versatility could play either the 1, 2 or 3 slots. He handles the ball really well, he can shoot, and can mix it up with the bigger players. He can take the ball from the floor to the rim in a heartbeat. He passes off of the dribble really well. He played well during the summer and if carries those abilities over into the fall season, he will be a pleasant surprise to many. He needs to work really hard on his defensive game. To do this, he has to improve his strength and aggressiveness. The single biggest attribute he brings to the team is his versatility.
-001

I'm personally looking for Phil to be as big of a surprise as Barry was last season and should nothing but solidify our depth even more in the back court. - Arliss


Luke 5:20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

Player Progression Series Part 6 - Charles Rhodes

Charles Rhodes He will be our starting power forward. What do you want me say about this man. Two years ago he played his best ball with his back to the basket. Last year, he played facing the basket and didn’t perform as well as he did his sophomore year. He has the maturity and athleticism to be a great player. He has a great ability to score from 12 feet in and needs to pass the ball off if he is cut off. He needs to be aggressive under the basket in his rebounding. He showed us last year that is a decent free throw shooter. This has improved somewhat and hopefully it will continue to improve as the season goes on. I feel his biggest need to improve his consistency and effort, play hard and rebound and put backs. If he does these things this year, he does have the chance to take it to the next level.
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Luke 18:8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Talked to Chalres Rhodes This Evening

I talked to him in Flowood this evening, pretty amazing how big he is for his quickness, told him that this was his season to shine, very polite. Looking forward for Charles Rhodes playing night in and night out.

The Next Monta Ellis?

LeAntwon Luckett:
http://www.mcherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070717/SPORTS/707170315/1002
and video... http://www.centercourtbasketball.com/2011_files/Page529.htm Courtesy of ZombieDog
1 Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

Player Progression Series Part 5 - Jarvis Varnado

Jarvis Varnado Has picked up where he left off last year. He is stronger and has gained about 15 pounds of muscle. He will play center and post area this year. His offensive ability has improved since last year. You’ll see him scoring more this year I feel. We already know about his shot blocking capabilities. He has great timing for this roll and I think will continue to be a great shot blocker this year. He will also see more playing time this year, especially if he can stay out of foul trouble. One of his weaknesses at this time is his strength and he is working hard to overcome that. But his biggest weakness is his free throw shooting. That high arcing shot with no spin won’t get it done. And playing underneath, he should be able to get his share of free throw attempts.
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John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.