Team Outlook
The roster sheet is short on experienced production but long on talent and potential. Make no mistake, this team isn't overly youthful, just lacking in dependable scoring punch taken away with the loss of Gordon, Rhodes, and to a lesser point Ben Hansbrough. Opportunity abounds for newcomers like Bost and Osby. Returning players such as Ravern Johnson, Kodi Augustus, and Elgin Bailey will be pressed to make the most of their college experience in heightened roles. Needless to say, a Rick Stansbury team will learn to play sound defense and with Varnado on the back line there is strong assurance that will continue.
As usual, the summer outlook is generally focused on the SEC West. There have been additions and subtractions notable to most of the rosters, making the division "up for grabs."
Alabama - Alabama loses Hendrix and (whew) Riley, but returns Ronald Steele after a season lost to injury. They have several valuable recruits coming in and Gottfried teams are always a chemistry experiment regardless of talent.
Arkansas - John Pelphrey faces the most turnover with the loss of 5 key contributors, all to graduation. It's hard to see Arkansas being more than a .500 team overall.
Auburn - They are tentatively my "team to watch" in the SEC as they return a lot of experience along with injured players like Korvotney Barber.
LSU - The Tigers lose super frosh Anthony Randolph to the NBA but they keep super guard Marcus Thornton and return Tasmin Mitchell. Super recruit J'mison Morgon was released from his LOI and signed instead with UCLA, leaving new Head Coach Trent Johnson to work with remainders. With Butch Pierre at Oklahoma State, the Louisiana border just got a little softer for basketball recruiting.
Ole Miss - Ole Miss basically lost it's front line experience and muscle, but traded for the type players that Andy Kennedy wants for his system. The redux continues as the Rebels make another strong bid for the NIT.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Scheduling Note
University of Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks will be coming to the Hump on November 17, a Monday.
Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
We All Know Who Will Be the Center of Attention by 005
Center
The real strength of the 2008-2009 Bulldog roster figures to be junior center Jarvis Varnado. Jarvis has shown the natural progression of a valuable college player regardless of position. Even by modest expectations, he figures to improve on his productive sophomore season where he assaulted the record books. In Varnado, Rick Stansbury has a legitimate All SEC performer and a definitive game changer. Any doubters should be pointed to archived broadcasts and told to pay special attention to the team's performances with and without "The Swat."
If Varnado is to continue his improvement, he should hope to pack on as much lean muscle as possible. He's used to playing within his light frame, but added strength and stamina can only make him better at holding his position on the blocks. Also at issue will be the expectation of offensive contribution. If the group at power forward isn't immediately productive then Varnado will have to become a 17-10-5 type player respective to scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. He might be capable of that, but the big guy is obviously placing "Help Wanted" signs in the lockers of Brian Johnson, Romero Osby, and Elgin Bailey.
Speaking of Bailey, he's had a productive Summer in terms of basketball and is said to be a few pounds lighter for his second go round. Elgin is the perfect change of pace for resting Jarvis. He's a wide body, but he's quick for his size and very agressive. From a production standpoint, he might be overlooked. From a competitive standpoint he's going to be outstanding depth.-005
The real strength of the 2008-2009 Bulldog roster figures to be junior center Jarvis Varnado. Jarvis has shown the natural progression of a valuable college player regardless of position. Even by modest expectations, he figures to improve on his productive sophomore season where he assaulted the record books. In Varnado, Rick Stansbury has a legitimate All SEC performer and a definitive game changer. Any doubters should be pointed to archived broadcasts and told to pay special attention to the team's performances with and without "The Swat."
If Varnado is to continue his improvement, he should hope to pack on as much lean muscle as possible. He's used to playing within his light frame, but added strength and stamina can only make him better at holding his position on the blocks. Also at issue will be the expectation of offensive contribution. If the group at power forward isn't immediately productive then Varnado will have to become a 17-10-5 type player respective to scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. He might be capable of that, but the big guy is obviously placing "Help Wanted" signs in the lockers of Brian Johnson, Romero Osby, and Elgin Bailey.
Speaking of Bailey, he's had a productive Summer in terms of basketball and is said to be a few pounds lighter for his second go round. Elgin is the perfect change of pace for resting Jarvis. He's a wide body, but he's quick for his size and very agressive. From a production standpoint, he might be overlooked. From a competitive standpoint he's going to be outstanding depth.-005
Interesting Schedule Note
Ole Miss released it schedule and it looks like we will be playing our last game of the regular season away this year. March 7 in Oxford. If there is any way you can make one away game, I strongly recommend it. I went last year and had a blast, even with the loss. Bulldogs had a great showing.
Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Who Will Hold the Power? by 005
Power Forward
Gone is the steady presence of Charles Rhodes. There was a point where it never seemed appropriate to use that description for Charles, but he really was a productive player at the SEC level and clearly earned the "consistent" label over the course of his final year. In the wake of his graduation the Bulldog staff is looking to several players for production.
Brian Johnson averaged just under 10 minutes per game in his junior season and hopes to improve on his 2.3 point and 2.2 rebound averages. The big fellow is still fighting to recover full confidence in leg ailments that previously sidelined his career prior to transferring from Louisville. Johnson plays smart and proved to be tenacious in his limited role a year ago but most wonder if he's capable of expanding that role in his final campaign. If history is any indication this Coaching staff will rely on his experience before looking to other options.
Romero Osby enters as a prized Magnolia State recruit and a familiar name to those who follow recruiting closely. At 6'8" and 230 Romero definitely has the size and strength to transition into major college basketball. On top of size, he has a substantial amount of skill that has had analysts looking at his potential facing the basket.
Kodi Augustus is one reserve who should enter the season with a chip on his shoulder. A year ago, his shooting ability was praised as being tops on the squad. What wasn't known was his inexperience playing the brand of defense expected in the Bulldog program. Although Kodi might see a few minutes further away from the basket he promises to play somewhat of a role closer to the basket, occasionally flashing to the perimeter. Whatever role he plays is entirely up to him. He has close up knowledge of what is expected that Osby hasn't pictured yet, at this point that might be his only advantage.
Charles must be replaced by a committee it seems. The good news is that there are a trio expecting to compete for minutes at power forward. The bad news is that returning production offers only speculation at this point.-005
Gone is the steady presence of Charles Rhodes. There was a point where it never seemed appropriate to use that description for Charles, but he really was a productive player at the SEC level and clearly earned the "consistent" label over the course of his final year. In the wake of his graduation the Bulldog staff is looking to several players for production.
Brian Johnson averaged just under 10 minutes per game in his junior season and hopes to improve on his 2.3 point and 2.2 rebound averages. The big fellow is still fighting to recover full confidence in leg ailments that previously sidelined his career prior to transferring from Louisville. Johnson plays smart and proved to be tenacious in his limited role a year ago but most wonder if he's capable of expanding that role in his final campaign. If history is any indication this Coaching staff will rely on his experience before looking to other options.
Romero Osby enters as a prized Magnolia State recruit and a familiar name to those who follow recruiting closely. At 6'8" and 230 Romero definitely has the size and strength to transition into major college basketball. On top of size, he has a substantial amount of skill that has had analysts looking at his potential facing the basket.
Kodi Augustus is one reserve who should enter the season with a chip on his shoulder. A year ago, his shooting ability was praised as being tops on the squad. What wasn't known was his inexperience playing the brand of defense expected in the Bulldog program. Although Kodi might see a few minutes further away from the basket he promises to play somewhat of a role closer to the basket, occasionally flashing to the perimeter. Whatever role he plays is entirely up to him. He has close up knowledge of what is expected that Osby hasn't pictured yet, at this point that might be his only advantage.
Charles must be replaced by a committee it seems. The good news is that there are a trio expecting to compete for minutes at power forward. The bad news is that returning production offers only speculation at this point.-005
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Could a Wingman Help Us Soar to the Top? by 005
Small Forward
Small forwards, in the conventional sense, have been in short supply over recent MSU basketball history. Small lineups have prevailed and we've grown accustomed to an extra guard making the lineup extremely quick but without a genuine scoring threat on the wing. Though some are infatuated with young combo forwards like Kodi Augustus and Romero Osby sliding out to the perimeter. One only needs to consider defensive liabilities to perish that thought.
By all appearances, Ravern Johnson is poised to take over the bulk of the minutes at small forward. He showed flashes of play making brilliance as a true freshmen but obviously lacked the strength to go from 2A Coahoma County to the SEC in a year's time. In watching him perform late in the season, he obviously has the lateral quickness to excel on the perimeter. Strength and instinct also played a factor and Ravern wasn't used to defending the way his veteran teammates were accustomed to. Like Dee Bost at point guard, he now has inherited a great deal of playing time by default. Competition at small forward will come from transfer Jaquiese Holcombe and the smaller and faster Antiquawn Beckham. Guard oriented lineups will feature Phil Turner and possibly Riley Benock in smaller capacities.-005
Small forwards, in the conventional sense, have been in short supply over recent MSU basketball history. Small lineups have prevailed and we've grown accustomed to an extra guard making the lineup extremely quick but without a genuine scoring threat on the wing. Though some are infatuated with young combo forwards like Kodi Augustus and Romero Osby sliding out to the perimeter. One only needs to consider defensive liabilities to perish that thought.
By all appearances, Ravern Johnson is poised to take over the bulk of the minutes at small forward. He showed flashes of play making brilliance as a true freshmen but obviously lacked the strength to go from 2A Coahoma County to the SEC in a year's time. In watching him perform late in the season, he obviously has the lateral quickness to excel on the perimeter. Strength and instinct also played a factor and Ravern wasn't used to defending the way his veteran teammates were accustomed to. Like Dee Bost at point guard, he now has inherited a great deal of playing time by default. Competition at small forward will come from transfer Jaquiese Holcombe and the smaller and faster Antiquawn Beckham. Guard oriented lineups will feature Phil Turner and possibly Riley Benock in smaller capacities.-005
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Who Will Define the Next Era of MSU Basketball? by Arliss
I got to thinking the other day while I was looking at the schedule posters I have collected over the years. I've got schedule poster back to the 2000-2001 season. When I think of eras, I think of a player that was the face of our program for those seasons. Dating back to 2000, it was Mario Austin 00-02, Lawerence Roberts 03-04, and Jamont Gordon 05-08. So who will define the next era? I would have to think to qualify to define an era, someone would have to play a minimum of two seasons. Two players come to mind, Ravern Johnson and Romero Osby. Even though no one is likely to flirt with Jarvis's defensive numbers for years to come, most of us will think of offense when we think of a headliner.
My mind keeps flashing back to the bits and pieces that Ravern showed up driving to the basket last season. Ravern shot lights out in high school, but the kid has some athletic ability. When he came to State, I thought his place during his freshman campaign would be waiting for a shot on the wing. But the flashes of talent I saw him display, makes me think of just what he can bring to the table when he puts it all together. He has a mean first step, and he has an arc on his shot that frustrates defenders. Like I've said before, after the defects from last season, Ravern Johnson could come out smelling like a rose. But will he take advantage of it, I hope so. I think Romero, will be a major contributor this year and could be possibly be in the starting lineup come January, but I think Ravern Johnson will be the man. Will he define the next era in MSU basketball? We'll see.
Who will take the 2? by 005
Shooting Guard
1 foot..... 12 inches. The three point line extends from 19 ft 9 inches to 20 ft 9 inches. Apparently governing concerns felt that the old NCAA line was no longer a challenge. Bulldog shooters would offer a differing opinion and fans would agree as 3 for 17 type performances seemed commonplace with a team that lagged behind SEC averages in the perimeter shooting department. Shooting guard hasn't been a strength position for the Bulldog program and might be considered one of the weaker areas for the 2008-2009 squad.
Barry Stewart is a steady player. Ever since he put on the Maroon and White he's had a reputation for being a cool customer, a guy who's bubble always seems to be on the level. Some may note a sag in shooting percentages from his Freshman to Sophomore campaign, but there's more to the numbers than what meets the eye. As a freshman he was coming off the bench behind Reginald Delk and didn't face the performance pressure he met his second time around. Also worth mentioning is the fact that he served a dual role in handling some point guard duties. Although he isn't a great athlete compared to his sEC peers, he is deceptively quick when opponents are switching defenders or if he gets his man leaning. On the defensive end, he does an admirable job staying in front of his man and keen observers know that he's continued to improve in the passing lanes.
It appears that Twanny Beckham will assume a dual position role and Barry will play the bulk of the minutes at shooting guard. Beckham, although not known as a pure shooter is said to be a hard nosed defender who likes to attack the basket on the offensive end. Riley Benock is another option off the bench. Riley needs to develop a shooter's mentality, taking cues from his hero Jason Reddick and former Florida standout Lee Humphrey. This writer doesn't see the point of playing Riley if he's not looking to shoot.-005
1 foot..... 12 inches. The three point line extends from 19 ft 9 inches to 20 ft 9 inches. Apparently governing concerns felt that the old NCAA line was no longer a challenge. Bulldog shooters would offer a differing opinion and fans would agree as 3 for 17 type performances seemed commonplace with a team that lagged behind SEC averages in the perimeter shooting department. Shooting guard hasn't been a strength position for the Bulldog program and might be considered one of the weaker areas for the 2008-2009 squad.
Barry Stewart is a steady player. Ever since he put on the Maroon and White he's had a reputation for being a cool customer, a guy who's bubble always seems to be on the level. Some may note a sag in shooting percentages from his Freshman to Sophomore campaign, but there's more to the numbers than what meets the eye. As a freshman he was coming off the bench behind Reginald Delk and didn't face the performance pressure he met his second time around. Also worth mentioning is the fact that he served a dual role in handling some point guard duties. Although he isn't a great athlete compared to his sEC peers, he is deceptively quick when opponents are switching defenders or if he gets his man leaning. On the defensive end, he does an admirable job staying in front of his man and keen observers know that he's continued to improve in the passing lanes.
It appears that Twanny Beckham will assume a dual position role and Barry will play the bulk of the minutes at shooting guard. Beckham, although not known as a pure shooter is said to be a hard nosed defender who likes to attack the basket on the offensive end. Riley Benock is another option off the bench. Riley needs to develop a shooter's mentality, taking cues from his hero Jason Reddick and former Florida standout Lee Humphrey. This writer doesn't see the point of playing Riley if he's not looking to shoot.-005
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