Jarvis Varnado, Nation's Leading Shot Blocker, Takes One For the Team

Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury probably has a lot of players he's admired in his long tenure with the Bulldogs, but after this latest move, who could he possibly love more than center Jarvis Varnado.

You see, not only is Varnado -- the nation's leading shot blocker last season at 4.7 per game -- coming back to school after testing the NBA draft waters, he's actually doing so as a walk-on. Why? He's trying to do Stansbury a solid and free up a scholarship so they can land two more blue chip big men, according to the Clarion Ledger.

The two big men in question are Renardo Sidney (Scout's No. 2 PF in the Class of 2009) and John Riek (Rivals' No. 13 C in the Class of 2009). Sidney, while recently cleared to enroll, still isn't actually cleared to play as the NCAA investigates his amateur status. Riek was also part of a weird enrollment process where he appeared to be bound for Cincinnati, only to wind up at Mississippi State.

If both players come up golden in the eyes of the NCAA, the Bulldogs will have 14 players. Varnado will fall on his financial sword for the time being, take out a loan like the rest of us bums, and play as a walk-on. Varnado is a pro after this season, whether it's in the NBA or in a foreign country. Paying back the reported $5,151 will be easy and could probably be accomplished shortly after he leaves Mississippi State.

So through one selfless act, Varnado could help Stansbury assemble one of the more daunting frontcourts in America and a core for what is almost assuredly a top 15 team. Who wouldn't love a player like that?

(H/T to Gary Parrish)

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