STARKVILLE — Ben Howland’s list of on-court reasons for excitement for his upcoming Mississippi State men’s basketball team are plentiful, as to be expected with a team as young as last year’s.
The one that may have him most excited has little to do with returning on-court production.
“I really like the culture: I really like how these guys are pushing each other and supporting each other,” Howland said. “I think we have a really good, cohesive unit, a good bond on our team, good chemistry, their excitement for the season and how hard they’ve worked. This is the best condition we’ve been in by far at this time.”
Even with a team Howland thinks is a better shooting team across the board and better suited for more versatile lineup combinations, his biggest reason for optimism the environment within the locker room. The contents of that locker room take to the court for the team’s first official practice on Friday; the team will have 42 days to practice 30 times before its preseason exhibition against West Florida 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Humphrey Coliseum.
“I like where we are now better than the last two years,” Howland said. “I really like the culture, I like the leadership within the team. I like that we have experience coming back and there’s a better feel of what’s expected.
“Very good summer, by far the best summer we’ve had.”
He’s not alone in that sentiment.
“I think this is by far the best team I’ve played with in my three years here,” junior guard Quinndary Weatherspoon said. “I’m excited to see what we can do. We’re telling each other to shoot the ball in practice, we’re passing up shots that we wouldn’t have the last two years. Our culture is way better than it has been.”
Junior forward Aric Holman added, “I think it’s this team believing in each other.”
Holman detailed a new scene in practice where, in the past, the team would turn its collective head to a select player or two to lead the team through it. Now, nearly anyone on the roster can do so and get MSU back on track immediately.
The reasons for that vibe, as Howland sees it, are not hinged on a convenient single turning point. The end result of it all could be just that.
“I think part of it is our guys maturing and our guys growing as kids. Just the personnel we have right now fitting together and being unselfish, playing for your team first,” Howland said. “All the best teams I’ve coached, at the end of the day when the kids are playing for each other, you’re really getting something special. I see that in this group right now.”
As Weatherspoon sees it, the only thing holding this group back in injury.
“I really feel like we can make the NCAA Tournament this year.”
No comment on FBI revelation
Howland did not comment on the news of the FBI investigation that’s currently sending shockwaves through college basketball.
“I’m going to make no comment because of the ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Howland said, “nor would I ever do that if there were an investigation in terms of the NCAA. I have no comment for you on that.”
The announcement came on Tuesday that a three-year FBI probe discovered some assistant coaches were taking cash bribes to get players to sign with financial advisors, agents and apparel companies after their college careers were over. In some cases, Adidas was accused of using payments as high as six figures to steer players to schools wearing their uniforms. MSU is an Adidas school.
There are situations where Adidas is not alleged to have been involved: Auburn, an Under Armour school, had assistant coach Chuck Person arrested as a result of the sting. The FBI’s investigation is still ongoing, but the fallout is already in effect: Louisville suspended athletic director Tom Jurich and men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino Wednesday that is likely to end in their firing, while news about players ruled ineligible is beginning to come at times and more is expected in the coming days.
Games on TV
The SEC Network picked up two non-conference games for broadcast. MSU’s game against North Dakota State will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 30, while its game against Dayton will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 3.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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