2009-2010 MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

If there is any one team that is most strongly poised to make a dark horse run in the SEC this season, that one team may be the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Indeed, if you are looking to impress your friends with a sleeper pick of a team that could win this conference, Miss State may be a great money choice for you to make while everyone else is going with Tennessee, Kentucky, or possibly Florida.

Indeed, this is a team that went from relatively obscurity within the conference over the course of the 2008-2009 season to becoming a real force by the end of the season. And what has to be even more exciting if you are a Miss State fan is the fact that this team is returning nearly all of its most important players from that squad. And in addition to that strong returning class, the team boasts a deep and talented incoming class of freshmen that should only further fuel the speculation that this team is one on the rise, and in a big way.

The incoming class is deep, and is studded with some particularly good talent. It starts and ends with discussion of John Riek, the four star center who, if his game can eventually grow to match his size, could evolve into one of the best big men in the conference. That said, he probably won't get there right away, Riek is joined as part of the incoming class by shooting guard Shaunessy Smith and Wendell Lewis, a big man who is viewed as a project by most, but has a raw skill set that projects out well.

Insofar as returning talent goes, Miss State brings back a relatively full house. In fact, the team brings back four players averaging in double digits last season. The team will be led by big man Jarvis Varnado. The 6'9" center had a breakout season of sorts on 2008-2009, establishing himself as a good offensive player and a superb defensive force. He will be counted upon to once again be dominant on the defensive end, while at the same time, potentially upping his offensive output slightly.

Joining Varnado as returning a returning player to watch is Barry Stewart, the senior shooting guard. More was exp;ected of Stewart after his first season at Miss State, and while he is been an effective player since then, he has settled into a secondary role. However he presents good all around skills, and it will be interesting to see if he or junior Ravern Johnson are more relied upon on the offensive end.

What makes Miss State that much more dangerous in fact is the depth of its bench. The roll call of potential contributors goes on and on beyond that. Dee Bost, Phil Turner, Romero Osby. This is a team that can beat you in many ways.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs look like they may very well be poised to make a run at the SEC title this season. And if everything clicks, who knows what may come beyond that.

Get your tickets at 2010 March Madness Tickets.

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If you haven't read it yet, check out our Rick Stansbury Biography. You can read more about 2007-2008 Mississippi State basketball team at 2007-2008 Mississippi State Team Basketball page.

Read all about Why Bully is the Mississippi Mascot and Why Mississippi State picked maroon and white as its official color?

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