<a href='http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=70471&pub=1&div=Sports' target='_blank'>http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID...ub=1&div=Sports</a>

Back for more
10/14/2004 11:31:19 PM
Daily Journal




By Gregg Ellis


Daily Journal


STARKVILLE - Last year, Mississippi State added two more pieces of hardware to its basketball trophy case.


Saturday morning, the run to another title officially begins with the start of practice.


"I'm extremely excited for the start of practice," senior guard Shane Power said. "We're excited to get intense competition in practice and get down to the seriousness of things."


The Bulldogs finished the 2003-04 campaign with a 26-4 record en route to the overall Southeastern Conference crown and a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. This year, they are again one of the favorites to be atop the standings at season's close.


And rightfully so.


After all, MSU returns three starters, including Power and All-American forward Lawrence Roberts, who averaged 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds in his first year after transferring from Baylor.


Also back is guard Winsome Frazier, one of State's biggest 3-point threats.


"Our biggest strengths are experience and toughness," Power said. "We've got five seniors who've played major roles. All have been in big games and all have been winners.


"I think that is going to prove very valuable in the beginning of the season and as the journey progresses."


The No. 1 concern is replacing the leadership and talents of point guard Timmy Bowers.


Sophomore Gary Ervin was Bowers' backup last year and showcased signs he could definitely compete in the SEC. Still, seventh-year coach Rick Stansbury hit the recruiting trail hard to find depth at the point, as well as other key areas.


And that's where he found Meridian Community College point guard Jamall Edmondson.


He also inked high school standouts Jerrell Houston, Charles Rhodes and Walter Sharpe. All three should contribute throughout the long, arduous course of the season.


"This year, the young guys are going to have to play," Power said. "Any time you infuse freshmen and sophomores with seniors, a cohesiveness, especially on the defensive side, has to develop.


"And with the younger guys, we know we're going to have to work harder in practice on our drills. They are going to have to do things right the first time so that we can move on to the next set of skills. We don't have time to waste."


That's more critical this year than last because the first game is earlier.


Last season, the regular-season opener was Nov. 22 against Tennessee-Martin. This year, the Bulldogs open with Fairfield on Nov. 11 in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Birmingham.


"Playing earlier with new guys, we're going to have to bring them along quickly," Power said.



Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 10/15/2004 8:00:00 AM, section D , page 1