Top ReturneesDonnie Kessinger (6-1 G) 21.4, All-SEC, third SEC scoring; Mel Edmonds (6-0 G) 12.4; Bill Bolton (6-6 F)
OUTLOOK: Under the guidance of a new coach for the first time since 1949-50, Ole Miss looks to better nights in cage warfare. Eddie Crawford replaces Country Graham, resigned after 12]/2 seasons, and inherits a varsity including All-SEC guard Donnie Kessinger and two other '62 starters. The 6-1 Kessinger had a terrific soph campaign to wind up third behind UK's Nash and Tulane's Kerwin in the SEC scoring race. Mississippi will lack the really big man at center, but does have several hands in the 6-4 and 6-5 category.
21st GameMISS. STATE at State CollegeMon., Feb. 11
SiteMiss. State Gym (5,000) NicknameBulldogs or Maroons LocationState College, Miss. PublicistBob Hartley Ath. Dir.Wade Walker
1961-62 RecordW 24, L 1 (Conf. finishTied 1st)
Tipoff8:00 p.m. CST ColorsMaroon and White Enrollment5,200 ConferenceSoutheastern SeriesUK Won 23, MS Won 5
Last GameMS 49, UK 44 in '62
COACHBabe McCarthy (7 YearsWon 128, Lost 46) OffenseMultiple DefenseMan-to-Man, Zone
Chief LossesJack Berkshire (G) 4.4
Top ReturneesW. D. Stroud (6-1 G) 15.9, All-SEC, 2nd All-Amer. (Helms); Leland Mitchell (6-4 F) 16.6, All-SEC; Joe Dan Gold (6-4 F) 13.1; Bobby Shows (6-7 C) 5.8; Doug Hutton (5-10 G) 9.5
OUTLOOK: Mississippi State sources are saying flatly that the '63 Maroons should be the best in history and this spells trouble for SEC foes and the other less powerful clubs on a 26-game card. Babe McCarthy, who has guided State to a pair of outright Southeastern titles and a tie with Kentucky last season, is loaded again with all but one of his starters back. Defensive standout Jack Berkshire was the lone departee and his replacement, flashy Doug Hutton, could be better as a junior. Back in the fold are All-SEC operatives Red Stroud and Leland Mitchell along with Capt. Joe Dan Gold and 6-7 center Bobby Shows. Guard Bill Anderton (6-3 and 15 ppg) is called best of the new faces up from frosh.
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