Miss. State Women's Basketball vs Samford

[StarkVegasSteve]

So jdelta and NCMST can answer this one a hell of a lot better than most, what does this start mean for the women's team? Is this as expected? Or better than expected?

And does this change your outlook on how you'd predict them to do in conference.

[captaindog]

So jdelta and NCMST can answer this one a hell of a lot better than most, what does this start mean for the women's team? Is this as expected? Or better than expected?

And does this change your outlook on how you'd predict them to do in conference.

I have maintained that my biggest concerns regarding this team are finding a primary ball handler (and some secondary ones) and lack of size in the frontcourt. I’m feeling better with the first concern especially with S King returning. Other than one mistake yesterday she maintained a steady pace for the offense and defensive sets. If she continues to develop it allows D McPhaul and T Crisp to concentrate on scoring.
As we enter conference play I am still very concerned regarding our lack of size in the frontcourt. K Richardson is our only post that plays good post defense. She works to deny entry passes and doesn’t allow position. As good as F Nwaedozi is using angles on offense I’m a little surprised she isn’t better on defense. M Francis is still too thin to be able to push bigger players out of position.
If we can earn a 7-9 conference record I’ll be happy as that should solidly get us in the NCAA Tournament.

[basedog]

Purcell just signed 6’1” guard from France. She has joined the team and is eligible now.

Purcell is working his tail off. Future is looking very good.

[NCMSTFAN]

So jdelta and NCMST can answer this one a hell of a lot better than most, what does this start mean for the women's team? Is this as expected? Or better than expected?

And does this change your outlook on how you'd predict them to do in conference.

To be honest, all of the above. What I mean is this was unexpected since there were so many unknowns. We lost Jerk, Okot, Powe, DeShields, Eniya Russel and Nir last season who all contributed heavily and had to replace all of that production. What Purcell did is recruited High School really well and also Internationally. No one knew who Favour Nwaedozi was just like last season no one knew who Madina Okot was and she currently starts at Center for South Carolina.... you gotta tip your hat to Sam, he is recruiting a little differently considering the times we are in and its working... heck he just picked a another International 6'1" player up today who is eligible right now!

My concerns are we haven't had the toughest non conference schedule even though it wasn't terribly bad. We also arent as big in the post this season but our length makes up for that so that doesnt concern me as much. We are a very long team. Overall, from a talent standpoint this is Purcells most talented team, I just hope we continue to click when SEC play begins because this group can be special.

[StarkVegasSteve]

To be honest, all of the above. What I mean is this was unexpected since there were so many unknowns. We lost Jerk, Okot, Powe, DeShields, Eniya Russel and Nir last season who all contributed heavily and had to replace all of that production. What Purcell did is recruited High School really well and also Internationally. No one knew who Favour Nwaedozi was just like last season no one knew who Madina Okot was and she currently starts at Center for South Carolina.... you gotta tip your hat to Sam, he is recruiting a little differently considering the times we are in and its working... heck he just picked a another International 6'1" player up today who is eligible right now!

My concerns are we haven't had the toughest non conference schedule even though it wasn't terribly bad. We also arent as big in the post this season but our length makes up for that so that doesnt concern me as much. We are a very long team. Overall, from a talent standpoint this is Purcells most talented team, I just hope we continue to click when SEC play begins because this group can be special.

Okot was the one that I knew would suck to lose, and looking at her stats at USCe I was correct.

[NCMSTFAN]

Okot was the one that I knew would suck to lose, and looking at her stats at USCe I was correct.

Okot was a huge loss, and what makes her loss hurt so bad is Sam and his staff did so much to help her get to the states and become eligible. She was a complete unknown. That said Favour Nwaedozi is filling those shoes quite well.

Okot stats this year:
15.8 ppg
11.2 rpg
1.5 blocks

Favour stats:
14.6 ppg
10.7 rpg
1 block per game

Okot has a couple of inches on Favour and is probably a little more polished since she has more experience but Favour has definitely held her own. Sam is doing a great job finding these players.

[jdelta02]

So jdelta and NCMST can answer this one a hell of a lot better than most, what does this start mean for the women's team? Is this as expected? Or better than expected?

And does this change your outlook on how you'd predict them to do in conference.

My opinion this is starting to come together as a really good team. Also, they let that Texas Tech get away from them earlier in the season., would be 14-0.. Also, this team has gotten way better since losing that game. Appears the co.aching staff has been doing a very good job of developing the players and making adjustments as the season has progressed. I've always felt positive about the potential of this team,...nothing has changed.

[viverlibre]

Prior to this thread, I thought Samford had gone out of business.

[basedog]

My opinion this is starting to come together as a really good team. Also, they let that Texas Tech get away from them earlier in the season., would be 14-0.. Also, this team has gotten way better since losing that game. Appears the co.aching staff has been doing a very good job of developing the players and making adjustments as the season has progressed. I've always felt positive about the potential of this team,...nothing has changed.

Keep it up jdelta, you provide good info. I like what Purcell has done in building this program.

[jdelta02]

Miss. State women's basketball team has added a mid-season (in-season) transfer from France. 6-1 guard Melissa Guillet has officially signed and is expected to join the team in January for the remainder of the season.

Guillet...
- Played last 2 season's for Basket Club La Tronche Meylon
- France 2022 Under 16 FIBA Team
- France 2024 uUnder 18 FIBA Team

[jdelta02]

Favour Nwaedozi- SEC Player Of The Week
Jaylah Lampley- SEC Freshman Of The Week

Miss. State women with the SEC sweep.

[EdwardDrayton]

Prior to this thread, I thought Samford had gone out of business.

You're probably thinking Birmingham Southern.