After a deep run into the NIT to end the 2017-18 season, the Mississippi State men are ranked in the Top-25 in the first preseason poll ahead of the upcoming season.
The Bulldogs are ranked 18th in the AP’s preseason poll, making this the first time they’ve been ranked since February 2012.
With another year of experience, MSU returns its top six scorers from last season, who combined for over 83 percent of the team’s scoring. Quinndary Weatherspoon led the way last season with 14.4 PPG and is back alongside his brother, Nick, who averaged 10.8 PPG. Aric Holman rounds out the returning group of the top-3 scorers averaging 10.9 PPG.
McDonald’s All-American Reggie Perry joined MSU as part of their 16th ranked recruiting class, according to 24/7 Sports. Perry, D.J. Stewart and Robert Woodard all come in as 4-star recruits as the Bulldogs look to make a push toward the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2009.
Ben Howland is back for his fourth season after leading MSU to a 25-12 record last season, and the 25 victories were the fourth-highest total in program history.
The Bulldogs are joined by Kentucky (2), Tennessee (6), Auburn (11) and LSU (23) from the SEC. The five SEC teams are second-most among conferences behind only the ACC with seven teams.
