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Mississippi State is usually in the conversation when discussing the nation's top programs, and not to be content with just being talked about the Bulldogs have set much loftier goals for 2009-2010. With most everybody returning this year, coach Rick Stansbury is looking to not only win the SEC, but make much deeper run into the NCAA Tournament in March.

Newcomer Shaunessy Smith may find it difficult finding playing time with upperclassmen Barry Stewart and Phil Turner back on the wings. Stewart averaged over 12 points per game and will now be relied upon more of a leader on the floor. Although a great outside shooter, Stewart can also use his 6-3 frame to finish when near the basket, which is what makes him such a dangerous scorer. Turner is also a good shooter, but it is his rebounding ability which makes him so valuable to the Bulldogs – ending last year ranked second on the team with more than 5 boards per contest. At 6-7, Ravern Johnson is an accurate three-point shooter in the four spot who needs to get more physical under the basket if Mississippi State plans to outrebound the competition on a regular basis.

The best case scenario would be for MSU to Johnson to the wing, which would mean they need to find a consistent power forward. If it is not freshman Rinardo Sidney, it will have to be Kodi Augustus, Romero Osby, or Elgin Bailey. The last three all averaged less than 14 minutes a game last year, but Augustus seemed to maximize that time by averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds last year, while Bailey has potential after being hindered by a foot injury late in the year. Regardless of who steps in at the four position, Jarvis Varnardo is the undisputed star of the frontcourt and entire team. Previously recognized as only a shot blocker, Varnado has rounded out his game, as shown by his leading the Bulldogs with 13 points and almost 9 rebounds, on top of an incredible number of blocks at just less than 5 per game.