Jimmy Abraham spoke first. Talked mostly about general stuff going on with the university; enrollment, student union, State of the Future campaign, campus
beautification, etc. Nothing that has not been discussed on here a million times. He said he didn't really know much about the presidential search, only
what was in the papers. He did mention that there were some auditors on campus and once they were finished, he thought the interviews would soon follow.
Stans spent the majority of his time talking about last season's team and accomplishments. I didn't take this as a good sign. Told a Dontae' Jones
story right off about him missing class and how Stans was the one who had to meet him in the morning to run. Mike Lewis, Dontae's coach at Northeast, was
in attendance and was nodding in agreement with everything Rick was saying.
Highlights from Coach Stansbury that I remember:
*Expecting a big offensive year from Varnado. Mentioned JV will be getting the touches that Charles Rhodes was getting last year. The best he has ever seen at
blocking shots.
*Counting on Augustus, Ravern, and Brian Johnson to step up this year. Said that it took Kodi about 75% of the season to figure out how to defend and rebound,
and the rotation was basically set by this time and that is why he didn't play.
*He is still high on Benock, mentioned the Tennesse game and how he would not shoot the ball after that. Said it was a lot easier to get someone to shoot the
ball than getting them to stop.
*Dee Bost would be the best point guard that MSU has had since Stans has been there. Expecting a big contribution this year. He can shoot and is a great
defender as well. He didn't go as far as say he would start, but other that Varnado, Bost got the most praise.
*Osby would be a great player "in time." I was a little discouraged with this statement. A better 4, can play the 3 but needs to get more athletic.
*Twany Beckham should play a good bit. The most physically ready of the freshmen. Doesn't look to score much but is a good passer and defender.
*Jacquiese Holcombe is the toughest guy on the team. Going to back up the guys down low and is expecting to contribute.
Basically said that the attitude, chemistry, and work ethic was great and could not ask anything more at this point. He mentioned the inexperience several
times but also said he "liked this team." Pretty much the exact quote 2006 preseason (Jamont's freshman year). He thought LSU and Alabama were
the top two teams in the West. Planning on signing two this fall, mentioned the "kid from Noxubee County" that was committed and we have a good shot
at one of the better big men in the country (assuming he is talking about Gallon).
Nice crowd in Corinth.
beautification, etc. Nothing that has not been discussed on here a million times. He said he didn't really know much about the presidential search, only
what was in the papers. He did mention that there were some auditors on campus and once they were finished, he thought the interviews would soon follow.
Stans spent the majority of his time talking about last season's team and accomplishments. I didn't take this as a good sign. Told a Dontae' Jones
story right off about him missing class and how Stans was the one who had to meet him in the morning to run. Mike Lewis, Dontae's coach at Northeast, was
in attendance and was nodding in agreement with everything Rick was saying.
Highlights from Coach Stansbury that I remember:
*Expecting a big offensive year from Varnado. Mentioned JV will be getting the touches that Charles Rhodes was getting last year. The best he has ever seen at
blocking shots.
*Counting on Augustus, Ravern, and Brian Johnson to step up this year. Said that it took Kodi about 75% of the season to figure out how to defend and rebound,
and the rotation was basically set by this time and that is why he didn't play.
*He is still high on Benock, mentioned the Tennesse game and how he would not shoot the ball after that. Said it was a lot easier to get someone to shoot the
ball than getting them to stop.
*Dee Bost would be the best point guard that MSU has had since Stans has been there. Expecting a big contribution this year. He can shoot and is a great
defender as well. He didn't go as far as say he would start, but other that Varnado, Bost got the most praise.
*Osby would be a great player "in time." I was a little discouraged with this statement. A better 4, can play the 3 but needs to get more athletic.
*Twany Beckham should play a good bit. The most physically ready of the freshmen. Doesn't look to score much but is a good passer and defender.
*Jacquiese Holcombe is the toughest guy on the team. Going to back up the guys down low and is expecting to contribute.
Basically said that the attitude, chemistry, and work ethic was great and could not ask anything more at this point. He mentioned the inexperience several
times but also said he "liked this team." Pretty much the exact quote 2006 preseason (Jamont's freshman year). He thought LSU and Alabama were
the top two teams in the West. Planning on signing two this fall, mentioned the "kid from Noxubee County" that was committed and we have a good shot
at one of the better big men in the country (assuming he is talking about Gallon).
Nice crowd in Corinth.
