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Coming off her best season as a Bulldog, Mississippi State center Teaira McCowan has carried her dominance into the 2018-19 season. That said former Texas A&M Aggie Anriel Howard has become the perfect compliment to McCowan. Howard, also off to a running start, is showing star potential. The duo has shown promise, as head coach Vic Schaefer will heavily rely on both.
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While it is not too early to declare McCowan as a superstar, Howard is right up there. She is averaging 14 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, almost a double-double. Though Howard is not the tallest at 5’11”, she is not afraid of anybody. In addition, her experience and leadership qualities have and should continue to shine.
McCowan on the other hand has not missed a beat. Having said that, she looks as comfortable as ever in her role with the addition of Howard. The 6’7” senior center is already averaging a double-double with 17.5 points and 12.8 rebounds on the year.
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Both are selfless and can put it on the floor in transition, rare elements for power forwards and/or centers. Though the question remains if they can coexist for an entire season. Having said that, Schaefer preaches unity, as the two are already learning from one another.
Mississippi State has become one of the game’s premier powerhouses, as teams will have their eyes set on the Bulldogs. If there is one thing we all know, it is that McCowan and Howard will give it all on both sides of the floor. Already dictating the paint, it will take a heroic effort from anyone to get by each or both of the versatile Bulldog forwards/centers.