SB Nation - Jarvis Varnado

Hoops Preview: Wright State at Mississippi State

jeremyflint — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:57:25 -0000

More photos » by Mark J. Terrill - AP

Mississippi State is returning to the Hump after going coast to coast with wins over DePaul in Tampa and UCLA in Anaheim. The Bulldogs have won their last 4 to go to 7-2 on the season.

Wright State comes in at 6-3, and won 3 consecutive before dropping their last game to Miami-Ohio, a close loss by 1 point. They are averaging 69.2 ppg this season and allowing 63.3 to opponents. Their top scorer is Todd Brown, with about 15 points. He also shots 45.9% from beyond the arc. Other players that make an impact are Troy Tabler (12.1), Cory Copperwood (10.3) and Vaughn Duggins, who has only played in six games but is netting 14.2 ppg.

I really think Mississippi State has the upper hand here. Varnado will dominate the interior as usual. Ravern Johnson is coming off his career best game against UCLA. Bost, Augustus and Stewart are all above 10 ppg so far on the season. The Bulldogs offensively are generating 75.8 ppg and limiting opponents to 58.4 ppg on 37% efficiency.

We may also get our first glimpse of John Reik tonight. Reik stands at 7-foot-2 and weighs in around 240. He will bring some much needed strength to the Bulldog squad that has been a little lean over the past few seasons.

Here are some other previews of this game from around the interwebs:

The Clarion-Ledger says that Wright State poses a threat.

"They're one of the better teams we've played all season," MSU coach Rick Stansbury said. "They're experienced; they have nine seniors and juniors. They've lost three games by a total of eight points, and two of them were without their best player."

The Dayton Daily News, on the other hand, says that Mississippi State will be a challenge for the Raiders.

It appears that against Mississippi State, the Raiders will have to go to their high-end scoring. Mississippi State, which has been ranked as high as No. 18, has five players who average in double figures and is on a four-game winning streak, including a 72-54 trouncing at UCLA.

The Springfield News Sun says that the Raiders need to get some consistency among its scorers.

Unless WSU can slow down the game, look for a higher score than usual. The Bulldogs are averaging 75.8 per game, while WSU is averaging 69.2. In coach Brad Brownell's three-plus seasons, the Raiders are 21-3 when they score 70 or more points, and 8-20 with the opposition does.

This game will be televised by ESPN2 and tip-off is scheduled for 6pm.

Ben Ball Gameday Round: Tough Matchup Against Mississippi State

Nestor — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:12:19 -0000

More photos » by Damian Dovarganes - AP

6 days ago: Shown left to right, Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury, Georgetown's John Thompson III, Washington's Lorenzo Romar, and UCLA's Ben Howland arrive at a news conference for the annual John R. Wooden Classic at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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We have got a busy Saturday here on BN. The Army-Navy game kicks off around 11:30 am PST. Right after that game is over we will shift our attention over to Anaheim where the Bruins are going to take on kind of a red hot Mississippi State team in the 2009 John Wooden Classic. The tipoff for that game is scheduled for 1:40 pm PST. While the Bulldogs seemed to be the favorite heading into this game, their coach is showing nothing but respect for the Bruins, who are still working to get healthy after a week off for finals.

Here is the game day setup from ClarionLedger.com:

The Bulldogs have destroyed the last two teams they've faced, beating St. Bonaventure by 52 points and then easily handling DePaul 76-45 on Thursday in the SEC/Big East Challenge.

State had a brutal travel schedule after that game, leaving immediately by plane from Tampa, Fla., and not arriving in California until what would have been 5 a.m. Central time.

"We've got a quick turnaround and face a UCLA team that's getting better every time they play," MSU coach Rick Stansbury said in a released statement. "We'll have our work cut out for us on very short rest."

Stansbury is being gracious because it willl be the Bruins who might have serious matchup issues heading into this game. From the LA Times:

Mississippi State's Jarvis Varnado, a 6-9 forward, leads the nation with 5.3 blocks a game.

But Howland said his team will face other problems when it comes to the Bulldogs' defense.

"They are long and athletic," he said. "They can get out and pressure you, get after you. They get after the ball."

Mississippi State has held opponents to 38.7% shooting this season.

Varnado is an imposing figure in the paint. Watching him on Thursday night though, I got the sense he is more of a defensive menace. On the offensive side he was picking up garbage points with offensive rebounds. It was in the defensive side he was dominant. It is going to be difficult for Nelson, Morgan on the offensive end this afternoon unless they decide to go right after Varnado. That will not be an easy task. More after the jump.

Complicating the matchup issues for Bruins, the Bulldogs' guards are uhm shooting lights out in last couple of games. They are red hot right now. As Patroclus noted, they are in the top-10 among all D-1 teams in reliance on 3-point shots (27% is the current D-1 average). With the same starting 5, MSU got 1/3 of its scoring off of 3’s. So throwing zone defense at them will not solve our defensive issues in the backcourt this afternoon. We will need JA, ML, MR and TH to bear down and work on putting on ball pressure on Bulldogs guards so that they can't get in any kind of rhtyhm early on. Honestly not sure if they are capable of doing it.

On the injury front, apparently there was a little "scare" around TH as he felt pain in his right leg where he experiened stress reaction few weeks. But he will be ready to go:

"We actually had a little scare," UCLA coach Ben Howland said. "We thought maybe we were going to lose him again. He had a little pain in the same shin where he had the stress reaction."

The MRI exam turned out to be negative, and Honeycutt responded to the results by having a solid outing at practice on Friday. He will be back in the lineup for Saturday’s game against Mississippi State in the Wooden Classic at the Honda Center.

And Nelson is feeling good:

"I feel good," Nelson said. "It was sore the last couple of days but it feels good."

Hopefully, Nelson and Honeycutt will be able to build on the encouraging effort from last Sunday. I think it is going to be an uphill battle for them this afternoon. However, if they can establish themselves on the defensive end early on and use that intensity to generate offense via some turnovers and get the crowd behind them, I think we will have a good shot. Hope we can really start turning it around today and celebrate a real victory instead of meaingless moral ones.

GO BRUINS.

College Hoops Go-Round: December 12

Chris Dobbertean — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:40:58 -0000

More photos » by Frederick Breedon - AP

6 days ago: (From left to right) Western Kentucky players Steffphon Pettigrew (30), Nemanja Milosevic(45), Jeremy Evans (40), and Caden Dickerson (10) celebrate after defeating Vanderbilt University 76-69 in an NCAA in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. Western Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt . (AP Photo/Frederick Breedon)

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Friday was typically quiet, but there were a few non-conference matchups of note.

Iowa State beat archrival Iowa, 81-71 in Ames.
The Sun Belt got a split against the SEC in the Sun Belt invitational in Nashville. While no. 9 Tennessee had little trouble with Middle Tennessee, prevailing 75-54; Vanderbilt fell victim to a Western Kentucky team that seems to be getting it together just in time for the Sun Belt season, 76-69.
Dayton picked up another out-of-conference win over a CAA opponent, beating Old Dominion at UD Arena, 58-50.

As today is the first Saturday of the season that's relatively college football free (other than Army-Navy and the D2 and D3 finals), there's is quite a bit of action on TV.

No. 4 Kentucky at Indiana (CBS, 12): Both teams knocked off Big East opponents in New York earlier in the week. The Hoosiers should put up a fight at home, but you can't possibly think John Wall will possibly let them win.
No. 13 Ohio State at No. 22 Butler (ESPN, 12): The Buckeyes play their first full game without Evan Turner. Going to Hinkle Fieldhouse to play a Bulldog team who's taken their licks on the road probably isn't the best recipe for a win.
La Salle at No. 1 Kansas in Kansas City (ESPN, 2): The Explorers are 6-2, but the two losses have come at the hands of the two BCS schools they've faced (South Carolina and Villanova). They'll struggle at Phog II.

The John Wooden Classic in Anaheim gives the two Pac 10 teams featured a chance at big wins.

No. 15 Georgetown vs. No. 17 Washington (FSN/CSN, 2): The Hoyas can knock off their second ranked opponent of the week, while the Huskies really need this one, as Pac 10 games aren't going to provide much of a schedule bump later in the year.
Mississippi State vs. UCLA (FSN/CSN, 4:30): The Bruins showed some promise against Kansas last Sunday, but they will struggle against Jarvis Varnado inside.
Oklahoma at Utah (Vs., 4): The Utes, fresh off a win over Michigan Wednesday, look to avenge an 18-point loss to the Sooners in Norman last year. With no Blake Griffin involved this season, they have a chance.
St. Joseph's at Minnesota (Big Ten, 4): The Hawks gave Villanova a game in the Holy War on Wednesday, so the Gophers can't take this one lightly.
Western Carolina at Louisville (Big East/Full Court, 4): The Catamounts have been solid so far this year. If they can pull the upset at Freedom Hall, maybe people will start to notice.
Texas State at No. 2 Texas (FS Southwest/Full Court, 4): The Longhorns should move to 8-0.
Marquette at No. 20 Wisconsin (ESPN2, 5): The Golden Eagles claimed bragging rights in Milwaukee on Tuesday, but playing in Madison for the unofficial state crown is a completely different matter entirely.
Virginia Tech at Penn State (ESPN2, 7): Two bubble teams from a year ago look to get a step ahead for this season.
Kansas State at No. 18 UNLV at Orleans Arena (FS Kansas City/Full Court, 7): The Wildcats are quietly building something in Manhattan, but knocking off a hot Runnin' Rebels team in their backyard would make the country notice a bit more.
Coppin State at No. 6 West Virginia (Big East/Full Court, 7): Unusually, Fang Mitchell's Eagles have played five home games already this year. They won't see the Coppin Center again until January 23, as this game marks the start of a patented eight-game CSU road swing.
Oregon State at Nebraska (FS Midwest/Full Court, 8): NOT a Big 12/Pac 10 Hardwood Series game. The Huskers will try to avenge their road loss to the Beavers last season.
No. 5 Purdue at Alabama (ESPN2, 9): A win over a Boilermaker team that's firing on all cylinders early would be a big boost to Anthony Grant in his first season at the Capstone.
Arizona at San Diego State (the mtn., 10): It's another battle of 2009 bubble teams. A win here could be crucial for both yet again.
BYU at Fresno State (Full Court, 10): The Cougars pay a visit to former coach Steve Cleveland.

If that wasn't enough there are still a few others:

Florida Atlantic at Louisiana-Lafayette (Sun Belt/CSS/CST/Full Court, 2)
Toledo at Valparaiso (Lakeshore/Full Court, 3)
Fairleigh Dickinson at Missouri (FS Midwest/Full Court, 8)
Utah Valley at Utah State (Full Court, 9)

There are plenty of games of interest that will only be telecast regionally. You can find TV information for them at Matt Sarz' College Sports on TV site.

Creighton at George Mason and Siena at Northern Iowa: Two rematches of BracketBusters from last season
New Mexico vs.No. 16 Texas A&M in Houston: The Lobos face their biggest test to date.
Davidson vs. No. 21 Gonzaga in Seattle: The Wildcats are in search of a big win to put them back on the map.

Center Court: Ben Ball (Mississippi State) Scouting Open Thread

Nestor — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:37:03 -0000

More photos » by Rogelio V. Solis - AP

Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Stansbury on the Deuce right now.

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Well even though no on really called out for an open thread around the Bulldogs game tonight. The game just tipped off minutes ago on ESPN2. You can track it on WWL here. I think we might as well use the occasion to check out Jarvis Varnado and his Bulldogs team-mates take on DePaul Blue Demons before they make their way to Anaheim on Sat.

As of right now you can find our current notes on Bulldogs to date over here. If you are watching the game tonight, please use this thread to share your observations and quick commentary. Fire away.

GO BRUINS.

College Hoops Go-Round: December 10

Chris Dobbertean — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:29:33 -0000

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

8 days ago: Kentucky's John Wall drives to the basket against Connecticut in the first half of a NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

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The crowd at Madison Square Garden was treated to a show on Wednesday night, as the SEC and Big East split the first night of their invitational.

Georgia tried to come back in the final moments at St. John's, but fell short, 66-56.
No. 4 Kentucky jumped out to a big lead in the first four minutes on No. 14 Connecticut, who crept back in over the next four minutes, with a back and forth thriller resulting. The Wildcats held off the Huskies, 64-61, with an amazing John Wall finish and subsequent foul shot giving the Cats the lead at the end.

In other Wednesday action

No. 5 Purdue hammered Valparaiso, 86-62.
No. 6 West Virginia doubled up Duquesne, 68-39.
Providence put on a show at George Washington, winning 110-97.
No. 1 Kansas routed Radford, 99-64.
Missouri fell at Oral Roberts, 60-59.
No. 3 Villanova won the Holy War, holding off St. Joseph's, 97-89, at the Palestra.
Michigan got smoked by Utah in Salt Lake City, 68-52.
Arizona had little trouble with Louisiana Tech, winning 83-67.
Washington State defeated neighbors Idaho, 76-64.
La Salle won at Rider, 69-60.
Buffalo beat local rival Niagara, 86-80.
Austin Peay upset Ohio in Athens, 68-66.
Harvard won at Boston College for the second straight season, 74-67. Jeremy Lin scored 25 for the Crimson. He hung 27 on the Eagles last season.
Virginia Tech pulled away from VMI, 98-73.
Notre Dame routed IUPUI, 93-70.
No. 20 Wisconsin fell at in-state rival Green Bay, 88-84 in OT.
California had no problem with Pacific, winning in Stockton 79-54.
New Mexico survived a trip to San Diego, prevailing 82-78.
Cal State Fullerton fell at San Diego State, 82-68.

If you don't see your team's score, click any of the score links above. You'll find a rundown of all of Wednesday's game along the right side of the page.

It's a pretty quiet Thursday, meaning the focus of the college basketball world shifts to Tampa for night two of the SEC/Big East Invitational.

DePaul vs. Mississippi State (ESPN2, 6:30): This matchup is definitely the undercard (ESPN Regional Television is a smart group of schedulers). However, this one would have been something to see if 6-10 DePaul forward Mac Koshwal wasn't sidelined with a left foot injury. Now, Jarvis Varnado should dominate inside and lead the Bulldogs to a comfortable win.
No. 7 Syracuse vs. No. 10 Florida (ESPN, 9): I know I should probably be more neutral, but this is Dobber Bowl III -- as the team I grew up cheering for faces my alma mater. This one should be a good one, as the Orange and Gators are probably the two biggest surprises on the national scene so far. Wes Johnson has established himself as a serious Naismith candidate in Central New York, while in North Central Florida, Billy Donovan seems to have his first team since the beloved 2006-07 repeat national champs to completely buy into his system. This should be a five-star matchup. Expect a pro-Gator crowd, with a heavy dose of Orange. (The crowds at Cuse-USF hoops games at the Sun Dome tend lean Orange.)

Here's a list of the rest of tonight's televised action

Oakland at No. 12 Michigan State (Big Ten, 7)
Chicago State at Nebraska (Full Court, 8)
Miami (OH) at No. 19 Cincinnati (ESPN2, 8:30)
Colorado at Colorado State (the mtn., 9:30)

For a full list of televised games, including contests that are only going to be televised regionally, visit Matt Sarz' College Sports on TV site.

Mississippi State: Adding To Our Bulldogs Game File

Nestor — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:04:43 -0000

More photos » by Rogelio V. Solis - AP

Mississippi State forward Kodi Augustus had complained about PT earlier in the season.

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Let's continue to add to our notes in the Bulldogs game file we have been putting together this week. For those who are interested you can check out Mississippi State tonight on ESPN 2 (6:30 pm EST) when they take on DePaul Blue Demons (who we beat in last year's Wooden Classic) in 2009 Big-East/SEC invitational. The more I read about these Bulldogs, the more I get the sense that we might have a fairly even matchup on Saturday.

As noted in the information below, it sounds like the Bulldogs have also been dealing with off court distractions and injuries at early point of this season. They are trying to battle through it just like us under the leadership of a pretty solid coach in Rick Stansbury. If can pull out a win, could potentially set us up for a decent finish in what has been a brutal out of conference season. Not going to be an easy task, as these Bulldogs themselves are feeling solid after their recent blowout win and looking to use that to jump start their road trip starting tonight against Blue Demons in a neutral court game in Tampa, and then flying across the country to Anahem.

So speaking of the Bulldogs, I was looking through the Blue Demons official website this am to get their scouting report on our next opponent. Here is the capsule on MSU which not surprisingly is toplined by Jarvis Varnado:

Opponent No. 8 - Mississippi State Bulldogs: Mississippi State enters Thursday's action at 5-2 following a 105-53 win over St. Bonaventure on Saturday... the Bulldogs have also posted wins over Southeast Louisiana, Bethune-Cookman, Texas-Pan American and Old Dominion... the two defeats have come at the hands of Rider and Richmond... Jarvis Varnado leads five players averaging in double-figures with 14.4 points per game... he also leads the club with 9.7 rebounds per outing and 37 blocked shots... Dee Bost adds 13.4 points per game while Ravern Johnson holds a scoring average of 12.4... the duo combines for 39 three-pointers this season as Mississippi State averages 10.1 three's per game... head coach Rick Stansbury is in his 12th season at Mississippi State and holds a 236-130 record with the Bulldogs.

Watching tonight's game could be interesting because DePaul's strategery heading into this game might not be too far off from what Coach Howland has in mind for Saturday:

DePaul (5-2) would like to keep any running Thursday to a minimum with its low-possession, low-turnover style of play. A more deliberate pace combined with solid team defense has the Blue Demons holding opponents to 56.6 points per game---No. 13 in the nation through the first week of December.

"A low-possession game magnifies the importance of free throws," Wainwright said. "It nauseates me to keep talking about it, but missed free throws are the same thing as turnovers. In seven games, we've missed 68 free throws (Mississippi State has missed 38)."

For more on the Bulldogs lets jump over the flip.

As for the matchup against UCLA, here is a perspective from the Magnolia state:

Both Mississippi State and UCLA have gotten off to bad starts, losing to mid-majors Rider and Portland, respectively. In addition, off-the-court distractions have caused some damage on the court and in reputation. The NCAA is scrutinizing State freshman Renardo Sidney's finances for the last two years, and UCLA's Drew Gordon has been dismissed for behavior detrimental to the team. Both were expected to be featured players. (Why State has gotten involved in the Sidney fiasco puzzles me, but that will have to be a subject for another day.)

Neither team, though, has begun conference play. Once UCLA adjusts to life after Gordon and the Sidney case is resolved for State, you could see both teams ascend in their weaker conferences. Beating UCLA, the holder of a record 11 national championships, will always help in putting a season back on track. For UCLA, ending a four-game losing streak is the first step.

As with last season, State has struggled to score points. Their base set is four guards around front court "presence" Justin Varnado. "Swat" Varnado is often successful in patrolling the front court (9.7 rebounds per game) alone and is more than adequate on the offensive end (67.3 field goal percentage). Sophomore combo guard Dee Bost distributes the ball well and has gained weight. Forward Ravern Johnson is the outside shooting threat. This year, coach Rick Stansbury hopes he can lead his team beyond the second round of the NCAA tournament. But Bost has stepped forward and told Sporting News that State "can win a national championship."

That was from John Yargo in the Jackson Free Press. Now Yargo referred to how the Bulldogs have also been navigating through some off the court distractions this season. Kyle Veazey from ClarionLedger.com expanded more on those off court distractions for the Bulldogs, which apparently reached a boiling point at very early point of the current season:

It reached a quick boiling point, at least when it comes to perception. Kodi Augustus spouted off about a lack of playing time after the Rider loss, prompting players to say there wasn't a rift in the locker room and Stansbury to suspend Augustus for two games.

Injuries have impacted the team the most, killing its depth. Though State has benefited from the return of guard Riley Benock (foot), it has suffered as forward Elgin Bailey (ankle) has hardly been healthy enough to play.

State is already dealing with the loss of backup guard Twany Beckham (hip) for the season and has yet to see any time from freshman guard Shaun Smith (hip).

Some of State's name players, too, have been hurting. Stewart has nursed a sprained right wrist. Dee Bost has hurt both his groin and ankle. And Jarvis Varnado, the team's shot-blocking sensation, is recovering from dislocated fingers.

The two players State signed to much fanfare back in the spring - 7-foot-1 center John Riek and 6-10 forward Renardo Sidney - haven't played. Riek was suspended nine games after an NCAA amateurism inquiry and will be available for State's game next Wednesday against Wright State.

Sidney has not been cleared on his amateurism inquiry. It's been a saga that has dragged on since shortly after he signed on April 30, and few close to the case this week predicted a quick outcome.

Like I said above, it sounds like it might be a very evenly matched game on Saturday, even though the Bulldogs are the more experienced team returning most of their starters from last season. It will be very interesting to see how they handle the Blue Demons tonight.

I am sure Coach Howland, his staff and our players (if they are done with finals) will probably be playing close attention to the Bulldogs tonight. I will try to look in. If you are around and are watching the game, let us know of your takes. I might put up an open game thread for it. If you guys want one, let me know in the comment thread.

GO BRUINS.

Ben Ball Roundup: Update On Nelson/Honeycutt, Howland's Thoughts On Bulldogs & Other Notes

Nestor — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:53:13 -0000

So just two more days to go till the Finals weeks come to and end. Bruins will get back to practices tonight to prepare for Saturday's game against Mississippi State Bulldogs. I believe they are heading out to Anaheim on Friday. Hopefully the focus on finals and taking couple of days off from practices will allow freshmen such as RN more time to heal up and TH to get stronger as he works his way back to the rotation. Coach Howland gave updates on the status of his two key freshmen and his impressions on the Bulldogs yesterday.

Howland is optimistic that Nelson will be able to play on Saturday:

Nelson hasn’t missed any practice time because it’s finals week at UCLA and the Bruins didn’t practice on Monday or Tuesday. The Bruins are optimistic that he’ll be able to play Saturday against Mississippi State at the Wooden Classic in Anaheim.

"The main thing is there’s no significant damage to the eye," Howland said. "It could have been a lot of potential for bad things in a situation like that but everything seems pretty good."

Given how tough this kid has proven to be in early going, I will be surprised if he is not available on Saturday. Speaking of being available, Howland is hoping to get more mins for TH on Saturday. TH had a rough start on offense (shooting 1 for 6) in his first regular season game as a Bruin, however, he showed glimpses of his athleticism grabbing 6 boards in just 19 mins. From the LA Times:

Howland chalked up some of the rough play to jitters and said that he would have to use Honeycutt judiciously until the underclassman worked himself back into top shape.

But the Bruins need another body in the rotation, someone to take the load off Michael Roll, Malcolm Lee and Jerime Anderson, so Honeycutt may have to push himself in Anaheim this weekend.

"We're hoping he will be able to get more playing time," Howland said.

TH himself is focusing on getting back into the flow of the game:

"I felt like I did pretty good," he said. "I've just got to get back into the flow of the game."

It's not just TH. The entire team still has a lot of work to do in terms of having a flow and rhythm in offense. More on that and other notes after the jump.

Coach Howland talked about the need for the team to eliminate taking rush/hurried shots:

Of the 61 field goals that UCLA attempted in the 73-61 loss to Kansas, Howland counted 14 that were ill-advised. That might explain why the Bruins rank last in the Pac-10 in field-goal percentage.The Bruins have connected on 42.5 percent of their field-goal attempts - that includes a 27.1 clip on 3-point shots - through seven games."We got way too anxious on a number of occasions, even in the first half, and early in the second half were we took bad shots," Howland said. "I think we’re going to have to really understand that we have to be more patient."When we can get Michael Roll and Nikola (Dragovic) and Malcolm (Lee) open for wide-open shots, they’re going to make them. But when they’re rushed and they’re hurried, it’s going to be much the same."

It is going to be interesting to see just how long Howland can remain patient with Dragovic. He had two airballs last game in addition to all the instances when he just seemed to forget the need for boxing out on the defensive side of the court. I am hoping somehow Honeycutt will find his scoring rhythm in the coming weeks. If that happens and Dragovic is still shooting less than 20 percent from behind the arc, I would have to think Howland will have no choice but to reduce his mins during the conference games.

Coach Howland also offered the following thoughts on Bulldogs:

On Mississippi State's offense:
"They have a very good point guard, Dee Bost, he's a smart player. Shoots almost 53 percent from threes thus far. They're a pretty good shooting team. They have another kid (Ravern Johnson), he's long athletic and a starting three-man, really a good athlete."

On Mississippi State's defense:
"They pressure you and try to get after you defensively. They can really get out and get after the ball. They're athletic. They're a very good rebounding team and obviously they block shots with the big guy inside."

It sounds like we can't expect much zone defense from the Bruins this weekend in Anaheim:

"You know what? Old Dominion, who's a really good team this year, tried to zone them and actually it didn't work. They do a lot more zoning that we do. We'll look at it but they're a good shooting team. It's a thing where we'll have to see how we do as the game progresses. At some point, we're going to use it. It's not going to be...I feel like our young guys, like Reeves Nelson and Tyler, they need to learn how to play man-to-man. We have to keep working on getting them better."

Given how good of the shooting team the Bulldogs are it makes sense. I think the key for our guys is going to be putting pressure with our on ball defense and then hustling around the rim to make sure we are not getting out-rebounded. This means our frontcourt (cough*Nikola*cough) can't take time off from boxing out and giving up easy rebounds to Jarvis Varnado.

I think we will have a good shot in winning the game if we can win the turnover margin, hold our own on the rebounding numbers, and play a smart and patient offense. It sounds so easy but has proven to be incredibily difficult with our team in the early going. Hopefully a somewhat healed up Nelson, healthier Honeycutt and a rested team will be difference for our guys on Saturday.

GO BRUINS.

Round Ball Round Up 11.20.09

Year2 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:31:50 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

28 days ago: Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins, right, pulls a rebound away from Sam Houston State's Antuan Bootle during the first half of their NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

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LAST NIGHT

The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats went north of the century mark to hold off a feisty Sam Houston State team 102-92. DeMarcus Cousins starred for the Cats, leading the team both with 27 points and 18 rebounds. John Wall (21) and Patrick Patterson (20) also got to 20 points for UK, who saw all five starters go in double digits but didn't register a single bench point in the game. A Sea of Blue has the postmortem on the win.

Meanwhile on the Island of Enchantment, Ole Miss picked up a win over a Big Ten squad with its 89-71 victory over Indiana. Murphy Holloway's 26 points was tops among the four Rebels that made it into double figures, while Reginald Buckner hauled in 12 rebounds off the bench. Eniel Polynice once again led the team in assists with seven. Red Cup Rebellion didn't have much to say about the win, but it did notice the bizarre way that ESPN apparently paid tribute to Houston Nutt's favorite offensive series.

UPDATE

Red Cup Rebellion has a full post-game write up now.

Back in Starkville, Mississippi State bounced back from its disappointing season-opening loss to run past Southeastern Louisiana 82-67 for their first win of the year. Jarvis Varnado nearly had a double-double with his 20 points and eight blocks. Nope SEC, he still hasn't graduated yet. Phil Turner did have a double-double, scoring 10 and grabbing 14 boards. Like with Kentucky, all five Bulldog starters reached double digits, but unlike the 'Cats, MSU got 12 points from its reserves.

South Carolina had little trouble going to 3-0 with its 78-68 win over La Salle. It was close around halftime, but a 13-4 Gamecock run that ended midway through the second half put the game away. Dominique Archie led Carolina with 17 points, while reserve guard Brandis Raley-Ross poured in 16. Seven Gamecocks scored at least six points and four made it to double figures.

WEDNESDAY

The Florida Gators held their second straight opponent under 50 points as Georgia Southern took its second loss to SEC teams of the season with UF's 69-49 win. Kenny Boynton paced the reptilian effort with 22 points, Chandler Parsons had 15 and 12 off the bench, and Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin contributed 15 points. Neither team shot particularly well, as both teams were under 40% from the field.

Rider provides season's first upset

SFBE.NF — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:04:52 -0000

Doh! Mississippi State is eating crow today, after losing to a top-tier MAAC school in Rider, 88-74. The Broncos were 10-16 from behind the arc, had four players finish in double figures (proving it's not just the Ryan Thompson show), and probably accelerated this whole Renardo Sidney mess for the Bulldogs.

Between the first-half's 11 and 4 minute mark neither team could muster even one point, as the Bulldogs were unable to extend their four point lead. Rider then took control, and never looked back.

For what it's worth, Jarvais Varnado had a Lottery-pick-like night, with 22/14/7, going a perfect 8-8 from the field. But limited backcourt contributions from Dee Bost and Barry Steward is probably what peeved coach Rick Stansbury on his way to the showers.

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Season Kickoff Edition

Truzenzuzex — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:32 -0000

by Gerry Broome - AP

Don't know 'bout those unis, Tar Heels ...

View full size photo »

Well, what do you know, the basketball season has officially begun, but with a whimper rather than a bang. North Carolina opened up last night against the Fighting Isaiah Thomases, and lo and behold, the Tar Heels were not even a shell of last year's team. But of course, like UK, they are very young but very talented, and they will certainly improve.

The SB Nation UNC blog Carolina March has more, as does this News and Observer piece, about how the Heels did in their first outing versus an opponent that counts. Of course, UK doesn't get a shot at a counter until later this week, but it will get here, folks. Be patient.

Ohio State had a convincing 100-60 win over Alcorn State in a very efficient outing. The Buckeys look to be a very interesting team, and unlike UNC and Kentucky, is loaded with less talent but much more experience. Teams like Ohio State often make a lot of noise in March, and this team will bear close watching throughout the year.

#25 Syracuse was easily handling tiny Albany as I was going to bed, and Murray State was getting set to take on Cal, but that tip is past my bedtime.

After the jump, all the news that's fit for Wildcats.

In Patterson's dream game, he keeps firing from downtown and he can't miss | KentuckySports.com
In Patrick Patterson's fantasy, he dribbles the ball downcourt and swishes three-point shot after three-point shot.

"I'm going to play Jodie Meeks," he said. "Just like Tennessee."

That just seems so...right. Patterson has a nice stroke and a nice release. He may not be Jodie Meeks this year, but I do think he will surprise us all from the arc.
Dunlap, Snowden star in UK women's scrimmage | KentuckySports.com
Basketball Prospectus | Articles | The List: Season-Opening Edition
Another ranking, once again UK is fairly high.
Improving Cobb part of ‘extensive’ injury list at UK | Vaught's Views
One day, we will have a season where we are not so banged up. One day.
Western Kentucky fires coach David Elson in seventh season amid 0-9 season - ESPN
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have fired coach David Elson amid the Hilltoppers' first fully eligible season for FBS play.
SEC power rankings - SEC - ESPN
11. Kentucky: One of the most time consuming things Kentucky coach Rich Brooks does every Sunday is read off the injury report. The Wildcats (5-4, 1-4) are really banged up. Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb didn’t play last week in the 37-12 win over Eastern Kentucky, but both are expected back this week against Vanderbilt. The Wildcats would like to get all the drama out of the way and become bowl eligible this week. Otherwise, they’ll have to beat Georgia or Tennessee to do so.
Five Bold College Basketball Predictions - Andy Hutchins - The Sporting Blog - Sporting News
The best team in the SEC will be Mississippi State. Forget about the John Wall Show at Kentucky: The only team in the SEC coming off an NCAA Tournament berth and returning all five starters plays in Starkville. Add Renardo Sidney, currently caught in eligibility limbo, and the Bulldogs may have the most imposing frontline in college hoops in Sidney and one-man block party Jarvis Varnado. Maintaining the quietly above-average guard play of last season could be their key.

MSU will be very good, but not better than Kentucky. Andy is letting his hopes write a check that reality can't cash.
Kentucky Sports Radio " Blog Archive " Rich Brooks press conference notes
I'm disturbed that the team is still worrying about MSU. Forget it -- its water under the bridge now. Beating Vandy, Georgia and/or UT would more than make up for it.
NCAA College Basketball Power Rankings - NCAA Basketball - ESPN
I'll take a #4 ranking for now, but I honestly believe we will be better than Texas and Michigan State. Interesting to find Dook all the way down at #9. Cardinals at 21? Nah. That's too high, I don't get it. I also don't buy Minnesota as top 25 yet, but I would have them fairly close.

Butler #10? Not. Maybe 18. Michigan 15? Well, that won't likely last. Georgetown probably deserves to be a bit higher. West Virginia top ten? Well, maybe close.
65 things to watch during the 2009-10 season - CBK News - FOX Sports on MSN
2. How will new Kentucky coach John Calipari mesh the old with the new? Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller and Perry Stevenson must figure out a way to co-exist with the new guys in Lexington — freshmen John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, Darnell Dodson and Daniel Orton.
KY reports two more H1N1 deaths
Ugh.
Projecting the Field - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com
Last season's first projections just rimmed out. But a new season is about to tip off and Gary Parrish launches his first tournament field projections, following the talent trail to Kentucky and Kansas.

Florida and Vandy both just miss? One may, but not both. Only 5 bids for the SEC and 6 for the ACC. Hmm, must be a last-season hangover.
WBIR.com | Knoxville, TN | Tennessean: Criticizing SEC officials is easy call for some
In our smoke-and-mirrors world, SEC refs are supposedly doing whatever is necessary to keep Florida and Alabama undefeated and on track for a showdown in the SEC Championship game.

The theory holds that SEC powers-that-be want to keep the records of both teams spotless until Dec. 5, thus assuring that the winner plays for the national championship and the loser remains ranked high enough in the BCS standings to lock down a spot in one of the other major bowls.

Heh. Conspiracy theorists -- gotta love 'em.
Can college hoops' opener ever earn buzz? - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
They don’t because college basketball’s opening day is blasé. There’s no national tie-in or big recognition about the season starting. Maybe it’s because the season’s too long, or maybe it’s because the games will be blowouts.

The NCAA knows it and is – slowly – addressing the problem. Kind of.
College basketball preview: Year of the blueblood - Mike DeCourcy - College Basketball - Sporting News
What separates the bluebloods, though, from the nouveau riche — Michigan State, Arizona, Connecticut, Texas, Florida and the like — is how dramatically their cataclysms can be transformed into triumph. It took Williams two seasons to lead the Tar Heels to a championship after inheriting a young team that had finished in the NIT. Howland and the Bruins began a three-year Final Four streak just two years after UCLA endured back-to-back losing seasons.

DeCourcy gets it absolutely right again.
UK at Georgia set for 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 21 | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Peters: UK’s season is on the line at Vanderbilt | Vaught's Views
Corey Peters has no problem admitting that Kentucky’s season is on the line Saturday at Vanderbilt.

You bet it is. Big time. Wins at Georgia or vs. Tennessee are possible, but very tough.
Memphis making an ultra-clean Calipari break - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
To be fair, no school spends much time lauding the coaches who leave for other jobs, particularly in the media guide. That’s a space reserved for the new regime and the current season’s players. As Mark McGwire might say, why dwell on the past?

Heh. Whatever. I could care less if Cal is ever remembered as Memphis' coach.