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Mississippi State Basketball: Return of Tolu Smith makes Bulldogs SEC contender

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 28, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Tolu Smith (1) reacts after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Tolu Smith (1) reacts after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mississippi State Basketball gets great news this weekend, bringing back star center Tolu Smith for next season. How good can the Bulldogs be for 2023-24?

In the first year under head coach Chris Jans, Mississippi State went 21-13 overall and made the NCAA Tournament before losing to Pittsburgh in the “First Four”. The big reason why the Bulldogs were successful was the play of Tolu Smith, who led the team with 15.7 ppg and 8.5 rpg on 57% shooting from the field.

The 6’10 big man finished last season with 19 straight double-digit scoring games, including 27 points and 13 rebounds against TCU, which proved to be the pivotal win that turned around Mississippi State’s season to eventually make the Big Dance. Smith had 11 double-doubles and on a team that literally couldn’t make a three-pointer, was at times the only consistent source of offense.

When Smith entered the NBA Draft process, there was not only talk about him going pro, but large whispers online were out there that he could enter the portal as a grad transfer. He ended up making his decision on Sunday to clarify everything.

Smith coming back is a blow for the rest of the SEC and a double-blow for teams that could’ve used him had he entered the portal. Now, the Bulldogs are bringing back most of its roster that just made the NCAA Tournament and added a couple of upgrades.

West Virginia center transfers Jimmy Bell adds to the frontcourt depth, while Andrew Taylor comes over from Marshall after averaging 20.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 4.7 apg. He gives Mississippi State a much-needed perimeter threat and a ball-handler to run the backcourt.

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The rosters are ever-changing throughout the SEC but the continuity that Mississippi State Basketball has could give them an early edge. And if Taylor can translate his offense to this level, he and Tolu Smith could be the best 1-2 punch in the conference next season.

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