Mississippi State Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMSEC BasketballMississippi State Bulldogs

Nov 5

Our Mississippi State basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that last season the Bulldogs barely missed an NCAA berth. At the NIT, they advanced to the title matchup. At times this team seemed up to the task. Other times, they were not. Overall, it was an inconsistent season, as the Mississippi State Bulldogs (18-15 Overall, 8-10) posted a solid out-of-conference record, but a weak SEC mark. This year, we expect coach Ben Howland (116-82 Mississippi State/6 years, 515-290 Overall/25 years) and company to be NCAA Tournament bound. With the return of one key frontcourt and backcourt starter, the addition of three impressive freshmen, and four solid transfers, this will be a team to be reckoned with.

Bulldogs Frontcourt

Returning sophomore Tolu Smith will anchor what is one of the best frontcourts in the SEC. Last season, Smith, who shot 56.9 percent from the field in the power forward spot, averaged 12.6 PPG and 8.5 RPG. This year, Smith moves to center as transfer power forward Garrison Brooks (North Carolina) joins the team. Brooks, a former preseason ACC Player of the Year, recorded 6.9 RPG last season. This front should control the boards. Our Mississippi State basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that two important elements of this unit return, Derek Fountain and Cameron Matthews. Both versatile performers played the 3 and 4 positions last season, combining for 20 starts.

Mississippi State Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Iverson Molinar (32.6 MPG, 16.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG) is the only experienced guard who returns. Howland added two young backcourt transfers who saw action with their former teams. Sophomore Rocket Watts (Michigan State), an All-Big Ten Freshman honoree, started 31 games and appeared in 55 with the Wolverines. Averaging 25.5 MPG, his career shooting stats are 43.4/26.9/78.9. Last year, freshman Shakeel Moore (NC State) appeared in 25 games for the Wolfpack, averaging 18.6 MPG. Returning guard/forward Andersson Garcia adds depth and versatility.