Whew! What a year. And unfortunately for Mississippi State, it’s now over.
However, I thought the Bulldogs went out in style, starting with the second half against Oregon.
But against Memphis, MSU was just at a different level than it had been all year. It was a great game filled with huge possessions throughout. And I also thought it was Rick Stansbury’s best coaching of the year.
He definitely tried everything he could to gain an edge. In the end, though, the better team just won.
And that end also meant we had to say good-bye to Charles Rhodes. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a player over a four-year span mature like he did on and off the court.
And Charles, thanks for all the quotes. You kept us laughing and wanting more. Good luck to you. Hopefully, we’ll see you in the NBA.
All that’s left now is see whether Jamont Gordon and Scotty Hopson will be at MSU next year. I say it’s 50-50 for both.
Now for some reading . . .
• The Bulldogs were hurt by Memphis’ offensive rebounding from start to finish.
• A change in defensive strategy gives MSU a chance to win.
• What does Jamont Gordon’s future have in store?
Inside Mississippi State Sports with Brad Locke 
March 24, 2008 at 9:20 am |
I will hate the U of M the rest of my life! I def will not show of my Masters Diploma from there-ever!
They were not the better team, our guys showed that we were just as good. Theres no way basketball minds in America can award them that title. I think the outcome of the game woulda been a lot different if we would have got just 2 of Dorseys goaltending calls.
Good season, I think Gordon will return.
Too bad our baseball team isnt good enough to get us to fball season
March 24, 2008 at 9:36 am |
It Ain’t over Gregg
Questions Questions Questions
1) No, not when will Jamont come back but when does he come to terms with it being his best option.
2) Does Scotty Hopson re-commit then sign ?
***News Flash*** Yesterday Hopson dunked on #1 rated player Greg Monroe at the McDonalds game’s first practice.
3) Will Rick give the keys to Dee Bost and free the freak (Jamont) on the wing?
4) Will Kodi Augustus find Mr. Miaggi in the Do Jo and LEARN TO PLAY DEFENSE?
5) TRANSFERS ??? Benock ? Turner ?
What I like about the future?
1) The versatility and defense we will see out of Ravern Johnson
2) The toughness of Elgin Bailey
3) Romero Osby, the heir of Sir Charles.
4) The leadership of Dee Bost (he only lead his last 3 teams to championships)
And the not so distant future…
09′ 6 ‘ 6″ guard Shaunessy Smith?
09′ 6’ 8″ power forward Latavious Williams?
Sure, it’s a drag to lose to a commuter school but NEVER has the immediate future looked so promising.
March 24, 2008 at 10:16 am |
Absolutely judwe.
First date to circle on the calendar (Gregg correct me if I’m wrong) – APRIL 16TH. That is SIGNING DAY for the spring, and the first day Scotty Hop can put his name on the dotted line. All things still point to him being a Bulldog, but you know Bruce Pearl is going to stay on him all the way to the end.
2nd date, JUNE 18TH. That is the last day an underclassman who has not hired an agent can remove his name from the NBA draft and return to college.
Rick’s got two big recruits to land for next season – Scotty Hopson & Jamont Gordon
March 24, 2008 at 10:30 am |
i hope he stays true and comes to state…..i really hope benock doesnt transfer, he has the sweetest stroke on the ball that i’ve seen in a while….barry will be replaced! has to be…..he cant throw it into the ocean!!…..but it will be very interesting to see who will leave and who will step up this offseason….football season needs to hurry up and get here!!
March 24, 2008 at 10:35 am |
Whats the real story on all the rumors of Hansbrough transfering?
March 24, 2008 at 10:38 am |
carwest…
We’re not on the same page as far as Barry Stewart goes.
The Bulldogs aren’t even playing on Sunday if Barry doesn’t come in and pop 4 treys on Oregon.
I will agree that his consistency with his stroke has been WAY off but he brings a lot of intangibles as well.
Ravern, Hopson (?) and Bost will eat up a lot of back court minutes next year.
Jamont is going to have to move to the wing.
March 24, 2008 at 10:44 am |
I think Barry needs to work on his game like Gordon did this past off season.
He has talent, he broke the Freshman 3 pointers record and led us in Free throw % last year, no one just loses that kinda talent. Hard work will pay off and Barry will help us all forget this year pretty quick by the start of SEC play next year. Swat needs to hit the fast food and weights and he can be even more of a beast next year.
Hansbrough will not transfer…All just rumors-just like last year…Just because his brother plays at a big ‘basketball’ school everyone thinks he should too.
Osby is from my home high school-NE baby!
Things are looking up
March 24, 2008 at 10:47 am |
Barry Stewart just had a sophmore slump he is going to be deadly. If everbody comes back State will make some noise next year.
March 24, 2008 at 11:05 am |
If you look at the 3pt numbers Jamont didn’t really change this year, in fact his returns are diminishing. Remember hearing about him shooting 300 threes a day last summer?
Here’s the truth…
07-08 60-188 .319 (32%)
06-07 42-121 .347 (35%)
05-06 27-104 .385 (39%)
March 24, 2008 at 11:07 am |
That is still pretty good numbers from 3 land
March 24, 2008 at 11:09 am |
Jamont’s three point shot looks so calculated. The mechanics you want to see on a three are like Darryl Wilson, Timmy Bowers, Winsome Frazier and now Ravern Johnson and Ben Bro’ …
Catch and release, fluid motion. Money’ just looks like he’s aiming it.
Not to take away from the rest of his amazing gamesmanship.
March 24, 2008 at 11:10 am |
rebelnate… a GOOD three point shooter is going to be around 40%.
CONSISTANTLY !!!
March 24, 2008 at 11:23 am |
There are not many NBA players that shoot the 3 at 40% I think you expectations are a little high.
March 24, 2008 at 11:23 am |
40% would be a GREAT 3 point shooter
March 24, 2008 at 11:38 am |
Jamont is a 6’4″ guard… for the NBA he’s going to have to shoot MUCH better than his current 34% three point percentage.
He would be considered a Point Guard in the NBA, what about thos ol’ turnovers? Well, let’s see…..
ASSISTS/TURNOVERS
07-08 168/138
06-07 187/123
05-06 129/142
March 24, 2008 at 11:49 am |
His TO’s really bug me too.
March 24, 2008 at 11:55 am |
So does his receding hairline.
March 24, 2008 at 11:55 am |
The assist turnover ratio isn’t even close to being good for a college point guard.
That being said I want Jamont back in the WORST way but I want him playing 3/4.
We’ve done our time in the converting athletes into point guards business, I hope we don’t take a born point guard (Bost/ granted he can fill it up) and move him to 2.
We can still swing Jamont around at times and have him run the O, especially against experienced PGs.
March 24, 2008 at 11:56 am |
Yeah those turnovers hurt you guys at critical time during the season.
Who new at the start of the year Ole Miss would end up with a better record than you guys.
March 24, 2008 at 11:57 am |
It’s so nice to have the Monday off !!!
Now I can be Monday morning coach !!!
March 24, 2008 at 11:58 am |
Yes, if only we finished in the middle of the pack and made the NIT.
March 24, 2008 at 11:59 am |
Could be worse, ya could be an assclown!
March 24, 2008 at 12:02 pm |
that’s right judwe, one and done is better than ‘done’
Just picking Nate
March 24, 2008 at 12:08 pm |
“There he go. There he go. Every time someone get to talking bout basketball, some white man got to go and pull Mississippi State out they a$$. You know how old Chris Warren was when they played State? 167 years old. I don’t know old he was, but they got their a$$ whipped! He right, State did whip Ole Miss a$$. Well, F you, F you, and F you! Who’s next?”
March 24, 2008 at 12:15 pm |
what is that velvet!? That’s beautiful!
March 24, 2008 at 12:17 pm |
My bad guys did not mean to offend anyone.
March 24, 2008 at 12:28 pm |
Just poking fun nate. “SEXUAL CHOCOLATE!”
March 24, 2008 at 12:33 pm |
judwe, Jamont Gordon is one of the best PG’s in the nation, not just the SEC, but the nation. Every coach says he’s the hardest to defend against. Sure, I wish he turned it over less, but he’s so strong with the ball. He wouldn’t be nearly as effective at SF, or SG. His strength gets him into the lane where he can either score or dish.
I’d like to see him stay 1 more year, be the leader of this team, and continue to get better.
I’m high on Dee Bost though. 38 min/gm is way too much for Jamont or any other player. I want to see JG playing somewhere around 30 min/gm, and Bost playing 10 min/gm at PG. Some games more than that. Keep in mind, no TN players averaged over 30 min/gm, whereas all 5 starters of ours did. Who is in the Sweet 16? The Vols.
March 24, 2008 at 12:44 pm |
db33
The numbers from above do not lie.
Coaches are going to say all kind of glowing things about their opposition. I’m pretty sure the scouts aren’t in Mark Gotfried’s living room right now grabbing more quotes on Gordon for their final analysis.
Besides, there’s not an official stat on “coach speak”
March 24, 2008 at 12:51 pm |
Gordon was tremendous against Memphis. He has the potential to do that week in and week out next year… but not in the NBA. Just as C-Rhodes upped his draft prospects in his senior campaign, so can Jamont.
He’d be unwise to exit for the NBA right now. He’s a year away from a college diploma and he is not a first rounder.
I’m pretty sure he’ll be back and we’ll be poised to win the SEC oughtright. This team was not unlike the team we had in the year previous to our final four run. We’ll be back and will go deep into the Dance next year.
March 24, 2008 at 1:04 pm |
Afternoon everybody,
What is the deal with Hansbrough transferring? And who is interested if he is? What are the rumors?
I thought we were the better team on Sunday, but nobody stepped in to make up for the other players having “off” days, it you can call it an off day against a number 1 seed. Memphis State played good defense, better defense that I thought they could play, and they made some of their free throws when it counted, they made like 9 out of 30 something??
I also thought that Memphis State’ coaching staff made a better adjustment to our shot blocking than we made to theirs, and we never made an adjustment as the game went on. So I thought our coaching staff was out adjusted in some areas.
I hope Jamont comes back, I do not want to see him leave like this. I hope Hopkins signs AND shows up, I think we have a great couple of years coming up if those two show up. And I think that Hopkins will leave after his sophomore season if he comes.
I am disappointed baseball will not take us through to mid-August. And on a football note, how is our tight-end search going?
March 24, 2008 at 1:06 pm |
I have a feeling next year will be a who’s who at State got a feeling it will be a rebuilding deal in Starkville with the transfers and Jamont going pro. The only reason for him to come back would be not just and outright SEC title but a national title and everyone here knows that will never happen
March 24, 2008 at 1:08 pm |
It’s “Hopson”, if he signs he’ll show up No NBA for HS seniors anymore.
Hansbrough ain’t going anywhere but class today. Said so after the game last night.
March 24, 2008 at 1:09 pm |
Hopson will be a Vol!
March 24, 2008 at 1:13 pm |
rebelnate, do you just aimlessly walk thru life that clueless??
The only player we lose is Charles and we just came within a whisker of beating a 1-seed. Rebuild? We’ll just reload!
The Hansbrough rumor was total BS, and Ben himself put it to rest after the game when asked by another media member. Besides, if we do have some transfers it isn’t going to be someone who starts and plays 30+ min/gm, it’ll be someone whose prospects of seeing the court due to the depth & talent in front of them is slim to none.
March 24, 2008 at 1:17 pm |
Stansbury has no control over that team whatsoever.
No discipline = No championships
March 24, 2008 at 1:32 pm |
http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=789189
click the link “scotty Hopson” on the video bar…to see his dunk on #1 HS player Greg Monroe
March 24, 2008 at 1:33 pm |
Rebel Nat, Your mother called. She wants you out of her basement NOW !!!
March 24, 2008 at 1:33 pm |
Does that dunk put you in the national championship game or something?
March 24, 2008 at 1:34 pm |
O.K. judwe now that was just childish. If you are to talk noise you have to take a little in return.
March 24, 2008 at 1:35 pm |
Anyone for a mature conversation here?
March 24, 2008 at 1:40 pm |
With Hopson and Gordon maybes, and Osby a sure thing, things can only go up. My question is, does Stansbury get caught in a Jeff Bower Deal, where people aren’t satisfied with 20 win seasons, and can’t get past 2nd round.
For those who havent seen him play, Ya’ll are in for a treat with OSBY.!!
March 24, 2008 at 1:47 pm |
http://mississippistate.rivals.com/video.asp?section=bbrecruit&pkey=&vidtype=amp&vidid=3254
This is a video on hopson talking about recruiting. The more I listen to him, the more I have a feeling he isn’t coming….tell me what ya’ll think…..but as good as these players coming in are, i still ike some experience so i would love to see most everyone stay to provide some good experience….hell, it would be nice to go as deep as memphis who can pretty much do a line change during some games….
March 24, 2008 at 1:52 pm |
I was also listening to “Hopson”‘s comments to rivals and it sure sounds to me like he isn’t coming. Although we can fulfill all his expectations in a coach, playing minutes and being an impact player will be up to him. I think we are a great fit for him, I guess we can only hope that the other schools screw it up.
March 24, 2008 at 2:28 pm |
Hey judwe what was you excuse for being in the NIT last year?
March 24, 2008 at 2:31 pm |
I don’t have a good feel on Hopson at this point. If he goes off in this McDonald’s game Wed. night all bets are off anyway. He’s getting his feet in some mighty big doors with Texas (Barnes) and Louisville (Pitino). Tennessee thought they were the ones to beat up until this point.
What remains in our favor is that we have recruited Scotty the hardest and longest to this point. From what I gather that hasn’t stopped either.
We’ve had 4 tough recruiting losses in recent years. Bender, Outlaw, Ellis and you have to count Mario Austin’s Sr. year. We recovered Ok from each of those… but in each case it prevented us from stepping up to that next level.
With what we have coming back we will be Ok. I know Rick and Robert have a backup plan but if Hopson doesn’t come would it be a wise move to just hold that scholarship? Might be.
March 24, 2008 at 2:34 pm |
Rebelnate, I wasn’t invited.
March 24, 2008 at 2:35 pm |
Now earlier you were confident he was coming. Are you that wishy washy?
March 24, 2008 at 2:36 pm |
You are an idiot. I was talking about your beloved bulldogs.
March 24, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
rebelnate you are welcome here, but an NCAA championship isnt too far fetched an idea for us, remember we are the team that’s been to the Final 4. Anyone except a rebel, vol, dore, gamecock, tider, and auby can make a comment like that. We are talking basketball.
March 24, 2008 at 3:35 pm |
You know what a wise ol’ man once told me?
“winning a fight on the internet is like winning in the special olympics, you’re still a retard”
🙂
March 24, 2008 at 3:36 pm |
LMAO!
March 24, 2008 at 3:38 pm |
Thats hilarious!!! 🙂
March 24, 2008 at 8:03 pm |
deep breath. timeout. regroup.
March 24, 2008 at 8:14 pm |
And I’m nowhere to be seen on this one.
March 25, 2008 at 12:52 pm |
Ha! Good point, Farley.
September 2, 2008 at 10:03 am |
[…] Gregg Ellis, who covers Mississippi State for the NE Miss. Daily Journal is split down the middle, giving Gordon’s return a 50/50 chance. […]