After a week filled with good news for various SEC basketball programs, Ben Howland and Mississippi State find themselves on the opposite end of the spectrum.
That’s because freshman guard Mario Kegler has reportedly asked for his release from the program.
Mississippi State freshman Mario Kegler has asked for his release to transfer, per sources. Averaged 9.7 PPG & 5.5 RPG.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) May 26, 2017
Will Sammon of The Clarion-Ledger is also reporting that Howland is set to meet with Kegler on Wednesday.
Kegler really came on during SEC play last season, averaging nearly 11 points per game in conference games and playing a huge role in Mississippi State’s progress throughout the year.
Lovell’s Analysis:
After losing 4-star power forward Garrison Brooks, this would be another blow to Howland and company if Kegler does leave Starkville.
Kegler was set for a breakout year after starting all 32 games during his freshman season. He was a part of that young nucleus that seemed to make strides throughout the year, but couldn’t take that next step in being able to win close games.
Mississippi State endured a seven-game losing streak late in the 2016-17 season, but six of those losses were by seven points or less.
What makes Kegler’s game so impressive is that he can do a little of everything. At 6-foot-7, he has the ability to play multiple positions and add a spark in many facets of the game.
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs may now need someone to step into that role and offer the same type of production.
Mississippi State does return its leading scorer in do-it-all guard Quinndary Weatherspoon, and adds his brother – ESPN 100 point guard Nick Weatherspoon – to the fold. Lamar Peters is still there as well in the backcourt, and big men Aric Holman and Schnider Herard should both take a step forward – with Herard potentially being the most important piece of the puzzle this season – alongside 4-star center Abdul Ado.
But will losing the team’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder have the type of impact that could leave the Bulldogs out of the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight season?
That’s the first question everyone will be asking if Kegler decides to transfer.
The added experience alone should help this young Mississippi State core win more close games this season, but Kegler was certainly a big reason this team was competitive last season.
And you can bet that other power conference coaches know that, which would make Kegler a hot commodity over the next several weeks if he does leave.
With many other programs around the league benefiting from key additions on the transfer market, staring down the possibility of losing a significant player like Kegler isn’t what Howland and his staff wanted to be faced with heading into the summer.
Especially considering that most of the nation’s most impactful transfers have already committed elsewhere.