In the rafters at Humphrey Coliseum hang Mississippi State’s banners that include the years of the school’s NCAA Tournament appearances.
It has been nearly a decade since MSU last had to add a year onto that fabric with the Bulldogs last making it to the big dance in 2009.
That might not change this season. However, after State defeated Georgia on Saturday to move to 17-6 overall and 5-5 in the Southeastern Conference, chances are growing that Mississippi State might get the opportunity to return to playing postseason basketball come next month.
For their part, the Bulldogs insist they aren’t looking that far ahead yet.
“It’s still just one game at the time, staying focused and trying to win every ballgame that we play,” MSU junior forward Aric Holman said.
No matter what Holman, head coach Ben Howland or anyone else says, State’s postseason possibilities are growing. Sure, that could include the NCAA Tournament, but there is likely still much work to do there with the team’s RPI hovering anywhere from the high 50s to low 60s depending on where you look.
At this juncture, the most realistic possibility might be a spot in the NIT. Mississippi State hasn’t been involved in the NIT since 2012. That’s six full years of no postseason basketball at all for the Bulldogs.
Holman has been around for the last couple of those. Both of those years, MSU finished with a .500 or worse record.
Yet Holman insists there is something different about this year’s Bulldogs.
“I’d say we all have the same common goal,” Holman said. “There isn’t one person out there that I can’t look to my right or left and know that they’re on the same page as me. Our confidence and togetherness is what is helping build this team and program.”
No matter what happens the rest of the way with Mississippi State, this team will achieve the school’s first winning record since the aforementioned 2012 season. MSU’s victory over Georgia Saturday night assured that much.
However, State is hopeful for so much more. After winning the last three games, there is a growing optimism amongst everyone. Howland said all the wins and good vibes stem from the team’s unity.
“Really good teams – and I think we’re really growing to be a really good team – play for each other,” Howland said. “They’re playing for each other now and you feel it. That’s just so fun to watch. I’m sitting there just as a spectator sometimes just going, ‘This is phenomenal.’ Everybody is pumped and everybody is pulling for each other.”
So just how far can the Bulldogs ride all this newfound success? That will all be determined in the weeks ahead. Fans and others will no doubt be trying to plot out the path for MSU to return to the postseason.
Meanwhile, inside the locker room, the outlook goes no further than Tuesday for the Bulldogs. That’s when Alabama comes to Humphrey Coliseum for a 6 p.m. game and MSU hopes to take the next step towards whatever their future holds.
“It’s all about one game, period and that’s Alabama,” Howland said. “They’re really good.
“It’s a huge challenge for us. We’re going to have to play great to beat them.”