2006 Mississippi State Bulldogs Basketball Preview

2006 Mississippi State Bulldogs Basketball Predictions

In 2005- 06, Mississippi State finished with a record of 15- 15 and 5- 11 in the SEC, finishing fourth in the West. The primary problem last year was that the Bulldogs had lost 80 percent of their scoring from the year before. This season, they’ve managed to return some important players while drafting sound, talented frosh. They missed the NCAA Tournament and NIT. Mississippi State does not want to do that again.

Bulldog guard Jamont Gordon (13.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 40.8 FG%, 64.7 FT%)—6’ 4” and 225-pounds—is a bull. Last season the freshman showed some ball control issues. Look for experience to help in that matter. Gordon is versatile enough to play point or shooting guard and can drive inside and hit from outside. The second guard spot could go to the Delk twins—sophomore Richard (3.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 42.7 FG%, 46.2 FT%) and Reginald (8.9 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 45.1 FG%, 50.0 FT%). Senior Dietric Slater (10.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 49.5 FG%, 55.9 FT%) could also see quality minutes.

Swing forward/center Charles Rhodes proved to be dynamic in 2005- 06. He pounds inside, takes the body and hits off the glass. Still, the Bulldogs lack another solid forward. They’ll look to junior center/forward Vernon Goodridge (1.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.0 APG, 41.9 FG%, 48.4 FT%), sophomore forward Bernard Rimmer (0.5 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.2 APG, 17.9 FG%, 0.0 FT%) or junior transfer Travis Gabbidon (16.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG). Gabbidon is the team’s best bet.

Coach Rick Stansbury (164- 90 over 8 years at Mississippi State) lost six key players before last season, including five starters. This year most of his players return with experience and more developed skills. Also, the team is young, which bodes well for the future.

It was an off year for State last season. For the first time in four years, they did not post a winning SEC mark. Look for that to change now and for the Bulldogs to go to the Tournament, something they have not done in the past two seasons.

If you want more info on the 2006 Mississippi State Bulldogs College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the LSU Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks.