A Way Too Early Look at the 2012-13 MSU Basketball Team

Moultrie: 34-6-49 -- Bost: 20-13-50.

On a night when Mississippi State ended it's 2011-12 season, falling 101-96 in double-overtime to UMass, the All-SEC duo of Dee Bost and Arnett Moultrie did what they've done pretty much all season: fill up the stat sheet. Moultrie's 34 points and 49 minutes were both career highs, and Bost set a career high in minutes played with 50 and tied his career high in assists with 13. That's a lot of ink...and a lot to try and replace next season.

The departure of Bost is no surprise to anyone. Bost, a senior, finished his 4-year career as the all-time assists leader at Mississippi State. The bigger question remains whether Moultrie, a junior, will return for his senior season in Starkville or make the leap to the NBA. As of last night, Moultrie said he would take a few weeks to decide. Oh, and let's not forget the Bulldogs often-volatile forward, Renardo Sidney, who said on his twitter account (@LawInOrder1), "I'm out!!" last night after the game. The departure of those three players, as well as senior guard Bryan Bryant, would leave State with very little production returning in 2012-13.

Based on different scenarios, here is how the 2012-13 Bulldogs could look...

Starters: Lewis, Zeidaks*, Hood, Steele, and D. Smith *Zeidaks must sit first 11 games; NCAA suspension

Key Bench Players: R. Johnson, J. Gray (frosh), Ware (frosh), Thomas (frosh), C. Sword (frosh)

This is the worst-case scenario for the Bulldogs. State would be replacing: 63.7% of their scoring, 58.7% of their rebounding, and 52.3% of minutes played from the 2011-12 season. Not to mention Bost's 183 assists, which led the SEC. I feel comfortable with Rodney Hood stepping up his game and being the leader, but that's the only comfort I get. Steele is really good shooter, but I don't expect much more. Can Deville Smith settle down and stop turning the ball over? That's the only thing I see that could make this team O.K. and not completely hopeless. Zeidaks being better than expected would help, too.

Projected Record (made up 30 game schedule): 13-17 (4-12 SEC)

Moultrie, Front And Center: Moultrie stays, Sidney leaves, and 5-Star Recruit Devonta Pollard signs elsewhere

Starters: Lewis, Moultrie, Hood, Steele, and D. Smith

Key Bench Players: Zeidaks*, J. Gray (frosh), R. Johnson, F. Thomas (frosh), C. Sword (frosh), Ware (frosh)

The Bulldogs could be competitive with this roster, but would have to find some help in the post for Moultrie. State would be replacing 43% of their scoring, 32.7% of their rebounding, and 36.4% of their minutes played. Moultrie is an All-American, Hood is a solid #2 option, and Steele can knock down threes, but Smith is a wild-card at PG. Can he show the play-making he had in high school? If not, Josh Gray will push Deville for the PG spot. Moultrie can play a lot of minutes, but what post guy can spell him for 5 minutes a game? Zeidaks? Roquez Johnson?

Projected Record: 18-12 (7-9 SEC)

The Band Is Back Together: Moultrie stays, Sidney stays, and 5-Star Recruit Devonta Pollard signs elsewhere

Starters: Sidney, Moultrie, Hood, Steele, and D. Smith

Key Bench: Lewis, Zeidaks*, J. Gray (frosh), F. Thomas (frosh), Sword (frosh), R. Johnson, Ware (frosh)

Sidney is back, but is that a good thing? I could see this team making the NCAA Tournament, but that depends on a few things. #1: Will Renardo Sidney put forth some effort? We all know the answer...Nope. #2: Can Deville Smith minimize mistakes and distribute the ball to Moultrie and Hood? The talent is there. #3: How good is Zeidaks? Could he play alongside Moultrie and keep Lewis (and Sidney) on the bench?

Projected Record: 20-10 (9-7 SEC)

Best of Both Worlds: Moultrie stays, Sidney leaves, Devonta Pollard signs with MSU

Starters: Moultrie, Pollard, Hood, Steele, and D. Smith

Key Bench: Gray, Zeidaks*, Lewis,Sword, Ware, F. Thomas

Finally, Renardo Sidney can no longer infuriate me with his bucket to open the game and disappearing act for the next 38 minutes. The addition of Pollard gives State the elite-level core of Moultrie, Hood, and Pollard. That's pretty strong. Steele is a solid 2-guard, but who plays the point? Deville showed flashes when healthy, but was really wild at times. Josh Gray is only a freshman. Can he be as good as (or better than) advertised?

Projected Record: 22-8 (10-6 SEC)

Full House: Moultrie stays, Sidney stays (with a better attitude), and Devonta Pollard signs with MSU

Starters: Moultrie, Pollard, Hood, Steele, and D. Smith (Sidney would probably start, but this is MY pipe dream)

Key Bench: Sidney, Zeidaks*, Gray (frosh), Thomas (frosh), Sword (frosh), R. Johnson

Like I did this year, I'd expect this Bulldog team to make the NCAA Tournament. Anything else would be unacceptable. Moultrie, Hood, and Pollard would make up one of the most talented trios in the country. If Smith and Steele give the Bulldogs solid play at the guard spots, this team would definitely make the NCAA field. Sidney might actually enjoy playing less minutes and coming off the bench as a spark. Much less would be asked of the freshman, except Gray who will battle D. Smith for the PG spot.

Projected Record: 23-7 (11-5 SEC)