Mississippi State forward Adbul Ado suffered a quad injury at practice on Tuesday.
When asked about Ado’s impact on the team this upcoming season, Howland told me that the 6-11 big man was injured on the last sprint of the day.
“He hurt it on the very last sprint in conditioning,” Howland said. “I’m not sure how long that’s gonna keep him out.”
“I was really disappointed. That ruined my whole day yesterday, because I absolutely love this kid. His presence is a big part of why I’m very optimistic about this group going into this season, so it’s really important that we’re very conservative about him as he comes back from this injury.”
Howland didn’t expand any further on the severity of the injury.
Ado was forced to sit out last season after being ruled ineligible.
He was ranked as a 4-star player and Top 150 recruit in the 2016 class.
Lovell’s Analysis
I’ll have a further story coming on Ado’s potential impact this season, but you could tell Howland was disappointed by this setback for the young big man.
Ado gives the Bulldogs another big body inside, and if all the potential turns into a quality on-court product, Mississippi State is good enough to make the NCAA Tournament.
With the season still a month away, hopefully Ado will get back on the court in time for the start of the season.
If can be the player Howland thinks he can be, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bulldogs be the surprise of the league.
I talked to Howland on the podcast this summer about Ado’s overall game, how other players are progressing, and more.
For more SEC Media Day coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.