Mississippi State has some rebuilding to do after losing three starters from last season's Western Division champions, but the Bulldogs have been in such a situation before and things have turned out well. In fact, they have won at least 20 games in six of the last seven years, an unprecedented run of success in the school's history.

Gone from the Bulldogs are all-everything guard Jamont Gordon, who skipped his senior season to enter the NBA draft (he went undrafted), and Charles Rhodes, a senior who led the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding. A third starter, guard Ben Hansbrough -- the younger brother of North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough -- transferred after the season to Notre Dame.

That leaves junior Jarvis Varnado, who led the NCAA in blocked shots at almost five a game, and junior guard Barry Stewart as the only returning starters. Stewart saw his three-point shooting fall off from his freshman season in 2007 but still averaged in double figures. Among other returnees, sophomore guard Phil Turner had 11 starts and was a key figure off the bench and will see his time increase.

The leading candidate for the point guard spot is an incoming freshman, 6-1 Dee Bost. Bost was one of three highly rated recruits who look to play key roles. The others are 6-5 guard Antiquawn Beckham and 6-8 forward Romero Osby. In addition, Jacquiese Holcombe, a 6-6 junior college all-American forward, signed in the spring and could provide immediate help inside.

Among other returnees, sophomores Ravern Johnson, a 6-7 swingman, and Elgin Bailey, a 6-8 center/forward, were impressive playing for the SCORE team on its tour of the Dominican Republic and their court time will increase from their limited roles last season.

Much also is expected of Kodi Augustus, a 6-8 sophomore who played only 11 games as a freshman. Brian Johnson, a 6-9 senior, lends experience but could lose out to the younger players if he doesn't step up his game.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.